Investigating a protein to reduce harmful changes in blood vessels
Official title: Targeting response gene to complement 32 to alleviate vascular remodeling
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11023370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called RGC-32 affects the way blood vessels change, which is important for understanding heart and lung diseases like atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with these conditions feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $658,885 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL176673-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from conditions like atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, or those who have undergone angioplasty or bypass surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-vascular related conditions or those not experiencing significant vascular remodeling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, response gene to complement 32 (RGC-32), influences the remodeling of blood vessels, which is a key factor in various cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process that contributes to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. By examining how RGC-32 affects this transition in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce vascular remodeling, improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting similar molecular pathways to improve vascular health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shiyou — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shiyou
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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.