How Leiomodin1 helps form strong new blood vessels in low-oxygen limb disease

The Role of Leiomodin1 in Hypoxic Neovessel Maturation

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11332978

This project will see if the protein Leiomodin1 helps new blood vessels mature and restore blood flow for people with peripheral artery disease, especially those with diabetes-related circulation problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11332978 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You have peripheral artery disease when blood flow to your leg is reduced and new vessels that form are often fragile. Researchers are studying the gene Leiomodin1 (LMOD1), which their mouse work links to stronger, less leaky vessels. They will use laboratory experiments and animal models and analyze human-relevant samples and data to understand how LMOD1 controls vessel maturation in low-oxygen limb tissue. The team aims to find molecular steps that could be targeted to grow stable vessels and improve leg blood flow.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with peripheral artery disease, especially those with poor leg blood flow or diabetes-related circulation problems who might be interested in future clinical studies.

Not a fit: People without arterial causes of leg symptoms, children, or patients whose conditions are unrelated to PAD are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that build more stable new arteries and improve blood flow to the legs, reducing pain, nonhealing wounds, and risk of limb loss.

How similar studies have performed: Past attempts to promote new vessel growth in PAD have had limited clinical success, and targeting LMOD1 is a newer approach with encouraging animal findings but not yet proven in people.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes MellitusAtherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.