Investigating how a specific RNA affects inflammation and artery disease in diabetes
Official title: LncRNA MERRICAL, macrophage chemotaxis, and diabetes-associated atherosclerosis
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11128441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific RNA called MERRICAL affects heart health in people with diabetes by influencing immune cells that can lead to artery disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help slow down or even reverse this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $678,484 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171239-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk for atherosclerosis or have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a long non-coding RNA called MERRICAL in the progression of atherosclerosis, particularly in individuals with diabetes. It aims to explore how this RNA influences the behavior of macrophages, which are immune cells that can contribute to artery disease. By using advanced RNA sequencing techniques, the study will identify how MERRICAL levels change in response to dietary factors and disease progression. The ultimate goal is to find new ways to slow down or reverse artery disease in diabetic patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce the risk of heart disease in patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting macrophage behavior to treat atherosclerosis, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feinberg, Mark W — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Feinberg, Mark W
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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.