How obesity affects stem cells that repair blood vessels
Obesity-induced dysfunction of human MSC in peripheral microvascular repair
['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11126652
This research looks at how obesity might prevent our body's natural repair cells from fixing damaged blood vessels, especially in conditions like critical limb ischemia or kidney artery problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Obesity can make it harder for our bodies to heal after injury, especially affecting blood vessels and leading to serious conditions like critical limb ischemia or renal artery stenosis. Our bodies have special repair cells called mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) that usually help fix damaged tissues. However, obesity might make these MSCs less effective. This project aims to understand how obesity changes these human MSCs at a cellular level, specifically looking at how it affects their energy-producing parts (mitochondria) and certain genetic switches (epigenetic mechanisms). By understanding these changes, we hope to find new ways to help MSCs work better in people with obesity to repair damaged blood vessels.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding cellular mechanisms in human obesity, and while it doesn't directly recruit patients, future clinical applications would target individuals with obesity who are at risk for or experiencing peripheral vascular disease complications.
Not a fit: Patients without obesity or those whose vascular issues are not linked to MSC dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that restore the body's natural ability to repair blood vessels in people with obesity, potentially preventing severe complications like critical limb ischemia or renal artery stenosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings in pigs have shown obesity-induced MSC dysfunction, suggesting a basis for this human-focused mechanistic exploration.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LERMAN, LILACH O — MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: LERMAN, LILACH O
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.
Conditions: Cardiovascular Diseases