Investigating how a specific gene affects smooth muscle cells in heart disease
Official title: Gene Regulatory Mechanisms of the Coronary Artery Disease Gene PRDM16 on Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11032668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene affects the behavior of cells in your blood vessels, which could help us understand coronary artery disease better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $165,672 |
| NIH project number | 1K08HL177251-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for coronary artery disease, particularly those with known genetic predispositions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with coronary artery disease who do not have any genetic factors related to the PRDM16 gene may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the PRDM16 gene in the behavior of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) related to coronary artery disease (CAD). The study aims to uncover how changes in SMCs contribute to the progression of CAD, particularly how these cells can transition into different states that may either promote or protect against the disease. By using animal models and human cell studies, the research will explore the molecular mechanisms behind these changes, potentially leading to new treatment strategies targeting SMCs directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that specifically target smooth muscle cells to prevent or treat coronary artery disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene functions related to coronary artery disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palmisano, Brian T. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Palmisano, Brian T.
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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.