How fat cells contribute to inflammation and artery disease
Official title: NKA/CD36 signaling in adipocytes promotes oxidative stress and drives chronic inflammation in atherosclerosis
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11160522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat cells in your body can cause problems in your arteries that might lead to heart attacks or strokes, especially when they get stressed out and trigger inflammation, and it hopes to find new ways to help people understand and manage these issues better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,778 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164460-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have risk factors for atherosclerosis or those with advanced cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of fat cells, known as adipocytes, in the development of atherosclerosis, a serious condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It focuses on how these fat cells can become dysfunctional under stress, leading to the release of substances that activate immune cells and promote inflammation in the arteries. By studying the molecular mechanisms involved, particularly the interactions between fat cells and immune cells, the research aims to uncover new insights into how chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to atherosclerosis. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their body processes fat and inflammation, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce inflammation and improve heart health for patients at risk of atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of fat cells in inflammation and cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silverstein, Roy L — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Silverstein, Roy L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.