Investigating how copper transport affects inflammation in blood vessels
Official title: Cu uptake transporter as a disturbed flow sensor in vascular inflammatory disease
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11061860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special copper transporter in blood vessel cells reacts to changes in blood flow and how it might play a role in inflammation and cell damage related to atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,071 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL174014-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061860 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerosis, particularly those with conditions that affect blood flow or copper metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to vascular inflammation or atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific copper transporter in blood vessel cells and how it responds to changes in blood flow. It aims to uncover how this transporter contributes to inflammation and a type of cell death linked to atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart disease. By studying the effects of copper in areas of disturbed blood flow, the research seeks to identify new mechanisms that drive vascular inflammation and damage. The approach includes examining cellular responses and signaling pathways in endothelial cells under different flow conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases by targeting copper transport mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of copper transporters in this context is novel, related research has shown that targeting metabolic pathways can be beneficial in managing cardiovascular diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fukai, Tohru — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Fukai, Tohru
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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.