How stress affects heart disease through genetic changes
Official title: Epigenetic mechanisms linking psychosocial stress with coronary heart disease
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11052522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects heart health by checking changes in our DNA that might happen because of stress, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how stress could lead to heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,388 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163031-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing significant psychosocial stress who may be at risk for coronary heart disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience psychosocial stress or have no risk factors for coronary heart disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how psychosocial stress influences coronary heart disease (CHD) by examining changes in DNA methylation, a key epigenetic process. The study aims to identify specific methylomic patterns in blood and immune cells that are associated with stress and how these patterns may affect immune function and increase CHD risk. By analyzing large human cohorts and conducting experiments in cell models, the research seeks to uncover novel predictors and targets for preventing and treating CHD linked to stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for predicting and preventing coronary heart disease in individuals experiencing high levels of stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between stress and heart disease through epigenetic mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zannas, Anthony S. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Zannas, Anthony S.
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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.