How hydrogen sulfide helps blood vessels relax
Regulation of H2S signaling in vascular function
This work looks at how the natural gas hydrogen sulfide helps blood vessels widen to protect people with cardiovascular disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129672 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying endothelial cells and isolated arteries in the lab to learn how hydrogen sulfide (H2S) causes vessels to relax. They compare small resistance arteries and large conduit arteries, test H2S effects at different concentrations, and change endothelial membrane cholesterol to see how that alters signaling. The team is following up on a newly found regulator of H2S that may explain why some vessel types respond while others do not. The experiments aim to map the molecules and membrane features that control H2S-driven blood flow changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cardiovascular conditions tied to poor blood flow or endothelial dysfunction—such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or prior stroke—would be the group most likely to benefit from these findings.
Not a fit: People without vascular or cardiovascular problems, or whose health issues are unrelated to blood vessel function, are unlikely to see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to improve blood flow and prevent organ damage in people with heart and blood vessel disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show H2S can affect blood vessels but have had mixed results, and this project addresses a novel regulator and membrane-cholesterol role that is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naik, Jay S — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Naik, Jay S
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 below.