How SIRT6 helps blood vessel linings control fat delivery to the diabetic heart

SIRT6 and vascular endothelial homeostasis

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-11143017

This project explores whether the protein SIRT6 helps blood vessel cells control fatty acid delivery to the heart in people with type 2 diabetes who are at risk for HFpEF.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11143017 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research looks inside the tiny blood vessels that feed the heart to see how SIRT6 controls fatty acid movement. Scientists will use laboratory cell and animal experiments and examine human heart-related samples to follow the molecular steps, including genes like CD36 and epigenetic changes. They will compare how these processes change in diabetes and how that may contribute to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The goal is to map these mechanisms so future therapies could protect heart function in people with diabetes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, especially those with signs of cardiac microvascular disease or at risk for HFpEF, would be the most relevant group for future trials informed by this work.

Not a fit: People without diabetes or those whose heart failure is driven by clearly non-diabetic causes may not directly benefit from these findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new targets to prevent or treat HFpEF in people with diabetes by restoring healthy fat handling in heart blood vessels.

How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies show SIRT6 influences metabolism and vascular health, but linking endothelial SIRT6-controlled fatty acid transport specifically to diabetic HFpEF is largely novel.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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.