How SMAD3 and related molecules affect coronary artery disease
The SMAD3 signaling network in coronary artery disease risk
Researchers are looking at how molecules called SMAD3, BMP1, and TGFB1 change artery plaque and influence heart disease risk for people with or at risk for coronary artery disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11348943 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project examines the genes and proteins that control how artery wall smooth muscle cells change during plaque formation. The team combines human genetic data (GWAS) with lab experiments in cells and model systems and analysis of tissue and molecular signals to trace how SMAD3, BMP1, and TGFB1 alter cell states and the artery extracellular matrix. They focus on cell types called fibromyocytes and chondromyocytes that affect plaque stability. The work aims to reveal molecular steps that make plaques more or less likely to cause heart attacks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with coronary artery disease or those at high risk who could contribute clinical data, genetic information, or tissue/blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People without coronary artery disease and those unwilling or unable to provide samples or clinical information would be unlikely to receive direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new targets or markers to prevent plaque rupture and reduce coronary artery disease events.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic and laboratory studies have linked TGFB pathway genes like SMAD3 to plaque biology, but translating these findings into clinical treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quertermous, Thomas — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Quertermous, Thomas
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.