How the RNA CASLR affects artery plaque and risk of heart attack or stroke
Official title: Long noncoding RNA regulation of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11289449 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at a molecule called CASLR to understand how it changes inflammation in artery plaques that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $717,206 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172335-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11289449 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—such as those with carotid or coronary artery plaques—or patients undergoing vascular procedures who can donate tissue or clinical information.
✕Less likely to help
People without atherosclerosis or not willing to provide tissue or clinical data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-stage lab and animal research.
What this research studies
This project uses human plaque samples, clinical data, and specially engineered mice to study CASLR, a long noncoding RNA found in atherosclerotic plaques. Scientists will combine computer analyses of gene activity, lab experiments on cells and mice, and detailed molecular profiling to see how CASLR changes inflammation and immune responses in arteries. They will test whether altering CASLR levels affects plaque growth and stability, which can cause heart attack or stroke. The work aims to reveal how CASLR works at the molecular level and point to possible new treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new RNA-based ways to prevent plaque growth or rupture and reduce heart attacks and strokes.
How similar studies have gone: RNA-targeting therapies have had successes in other diseases, but using long noncoding RNAs like CASLR for atherosclerosis is a new and emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Kathryn J — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Moore, Kathryn J
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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.