Investigating a new treatment approach to prevent artery re-narrowing after heart procedures
Official title: Targeting smooth muscle cell BMAL1 as a new therapeutic strategy against restenosis
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11001166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help prevent arteries from narrowing again after surgeries like stenting, by exploring how a protein called BMAL1 affects the healing of blood vessels, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $598,473 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166225-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing coronary revascularization procedures who are at risk for restenosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone any coronary interventions or those with conditions unrelated to coronary artery disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a novel therapeutic strategy targeting smooth muscle cells to prevent restenosis, which is the re-narrowing of arteries after procedures like bypass surgery or stenting. The study uses mouse models to explore the role of a specific protein, BMAL1, in the healing process of arteries following injury. By understanding how BMAL1 affects the growth of smooth muscle cells, the research aims to identify new ways to reduce the incidence of restenosis and improve patient outcomes after coronary interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments that significantly reduce the risk of artery re-narrowing, improving recovery and long-term health for patients with coronary heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting smooth muscle cell behavior to prevent restenosis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Zhenheng — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Guo, Zhenheng
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.