Improving blood vessel growth in patients with severe leg artery disease
Official title: Downregulation of 24-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase in Monocytes Improves Arteriogenesis in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10992647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changing certain immune cells in people with critical limb ischemia can help grow new blood vessels and improve blood flow, which might reduce the need for amputation and promote healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $115,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HL171439-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from critical limb ischemia who are not eligible for surgical revascularization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild peripheral artery disease or those who have already undergone successful revascularization procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), a severe form of peripheral artery disease that can lead to pain, gangrene, and amputation. The study investigates how modifying certain immune cells, specifically monocytes, can enhance the formation of new blood vessels in the affected limbs. By downregulating an enzyme called 24-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase in these cells, the researchers aim to improve blood flow and reduce the need for amputation. Patients may benefit from a novel treatment approach that harnesses the body's immune response to promote healing and vascular growth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve blood flow and healing in patients with critical limb ischemia, potentially reducing the need for amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing blood vessel growth through immune cell modulation, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lassance-Soares, Roberta Marques — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lassance-Soares, Roberta Marques
Related research
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Reprogrammed Monocytes for improved blood vessel growth in leg PAD
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This grant explores a new way to help people with severe leg artery disease by making certain immune cells grow more blood vessels to improve blood flow.
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Understanding how CKD worsens leg artery disease at the cellular level
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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.