Investigating a new target for treating atherosclerosis
Official title: SMC macropinocytosis: a novel target in atherosclerotic vascular disease
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11062420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels help cause atherosclerosis, which is a big factor in heart disease, and it aims to find new ways to treat this condition by understanding how these cells take in fats that can lead to plaque buildup.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $507,308 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164792-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to atherosclerosis or those who do not have risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to atherosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease. By using advanced techniques like cell lineage tracing and high-resolution imaging, the study aims to uncover how SMCs take up lipids and change their behavior in the arterial wall. The researchers are particularly interested in a process called macropinocytosis, which allows SMCs to internalize low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and potentially promote plaque formation. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could directly target these processes to improve treatment outcomes for patients with atherosclerosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that more effectively target the underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cellular mechanisms in atherosclerosis, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Csanyi, Gabor — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Csanyi, Gabor
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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.