Investigating a protein to reduce harmful changes in blood vessels

Targeting response gene to complement 32 to alleviate vascular remodeling

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11023370

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11023370 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from conditions like atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, or those who have undergone angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with non-vascular related conditions or those not experiencing significant vascular remodeling may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Columbia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseaseatherosclerotic diseaseatherosclerotic vascular disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.