How the brain controls blood-cell production in heart and artery disease
PROJECT 3: Remote control of hematopoiesis in CVD
This project looks at how signals from the brain change how the bone marrow makes immune cells in people with artery disease and after heart attacks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11269221 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I will learn how the brain communicates with bone marrow to change the number and behavior of immune cells that drive artery disease and damage after heart attacks. The team uses advanced lab methods in animal models, such as turning specific brain regions on or off and tracing nerve connections, to find the brain areas that control blood-cell production. They will compare chronic atherosclerosis and the response after an acute myocardial infarction to see how brain-to-bone-marrow signals differ. The goal is to identify targets that could later be tested to reduce harmful inflammation in people with cardiovascular disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, or recent heart attacks would be the most relevant candidates for any follow-on human studies.
Not a fit: People without artery disease or those needing immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is preclinical research that does not provide immediate therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce harmful inflammation and lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by targeting brain-to-bone-marrow signals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies, including preliminary data from this group, suggest the brain can change bone marrow activity, but translating these findings into safe human treatments is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swirski, Filip K — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Swirski, Filip K
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.