Investigating genetic factors affecting limb health in African Americans with peripheral artery disease

Variant Determinants of African American Limb Pathology in Peripheral Arterial Disease

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11215039

This study is looking at how genes affect leg health in African Americans with peripheral artery disease, and it wants to find out how different forms of the disease show up, so we can discover new ways to help improve blood flow and prevent serious problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-11215039 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how genetic variations influence limb health in African Americans suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD). It aims to explore the differences in disease manifestations, particularly between intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia, which can lead to severe complications. By examining the role of specific proteins in muscle and blood vessel cells, the study seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve blood flow and prevent tissue loss. Patients may be involved in providing samples and data to help uncover these important genetic insights.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, particularly those experiencing symptoms of intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have peripheral artery disease or are not of African American descent may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve limb health and reduce the risk of amputation for African American patients with PAD.

How similar studies have performed: While research on PAD has been ongoing, this specific approach focusing on genetic determinants in the African American population is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, 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.
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.