Investigating a new type of smooth muscle cell in heart disease
Official title: Genomic Regulation and Translational Potential of a Novel Smooth Muscle Cell-Derived Cell Type in Atherosclerosis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11004142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of muscle cell that might play a role in heart disease, specifically atherosclerosis, to see how it can help or hurt the condition, with the hope of finding new ways to treat heart problems for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL153939-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to atherosclerosis or those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a novel type of smooth muscle cell, known as SEM cells, contributes to atherosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and mouse models, the researchers aim to explore how these cells can either promote or protect against the progression of atherosclerosis. The study will investigate the role of retinoic acid signaling in regulating the transition of smooth muscle cells to SEM cells, which may influence the stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing cardiovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting smooth muscle cell behavior in atherosclerosis, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Huize — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Pan, Huize
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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.