Investigating how metabolic processes affect blood vessel inflammation and related diseases
Official title: Acetate and Endothelial Pathobiology
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11077241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain metabolic processes affect a change in blood vessel cells that can lead to heart and lung diseases, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these conditions without causing unwanted side effects, which could help patients with issues like atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $637,679 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167014-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, or other related vascular inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-vascular related conditions or those without chronic inflammation may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of metabolic processes, particularly acetylation, in controlling endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which is a key factor in chronic vascular inflammation and diseases like atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets that can effectively inhibit EndMT without the side effects associated with systemic TGFβ signaling inhibition. By exploring the metabolic control of EndMT, the study seeks to develop targeted treatments that could lead to significant regression of atherosclerotic lesions and prevention of new ones. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the progression of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways to influence vascular inflammation, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arany, Zoltan P — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Arany, Zoltan P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.