Investigating how branched-chain keto-acids affect energy production in blood vessel cells
Official title: Branched-chain Keto-acids and Aerobic Glycolysis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11078794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels make energy when there's not much oxygen, and it’s exploring how specific substances might help keep a key protein stable, which could lead to new ways to improve heart health for people with artery-related issues.
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 | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,330 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166137-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular conditions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) generate energy through a process called aerobic glycolysis, particularly under low oxygen conditions. The study aims to explore the role of branched-chain keto-acids (BCKAs) in stabilizing a protein known as Hif-1α, which is crucial for this energy production. By examining how BCKAs influence the behavior of VSMCs, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms that could impact cardiovascular health. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the metabolic processes in their blood vessels, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic processes in vascular cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loscalzo, Joseph — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Loscalzo, Joseph
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.