Investigating how microRNAs in extracellular vesicles affect heart disease in people living with HIV
Official title: The role of extracellular vesicle-associated MicroRNAs in HIV-associated atherosclerosis
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11002014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV might raise the risk of heart problems by checking tiny particles called extracellular vesicles that carry important messages between cells, and it's for people living with HIV who want to understand more about their heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $383,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162579-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy and have an undetectable viral load.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are HIV negative or those not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between HIV and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases by examining extracellular vesicles (EVs) that carry microRNAs. These EVs are released by cells and can influence the behavior of other cells, particularly those in the cardiovascular system. By analyzing the differences in EVs from people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy, the study aims to understand how these vesicles contribute to heart disease. The research involves injecting different types of EVs into mice to observe their effects on atherosclerosis development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that extracellular vesicles play a significant role in various diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into HIV-related cardiovascular risks.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Chunming — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Dong, Chunming
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Coronary disease and immune activation in people with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection
This research looks at how having HIV and latent tuberculosis together might raise the risk of heart disease, and what immune changes are involved.
-
PFAS may speed up artery disease by changing bile acids
Aims to see if PFAS chemicals make cholesterol rise and arteries more likely to harden, using a human-similar mouse model to understand how this could affect people.
-
IgE antibodies to alpha-gal and heart disease in mice and people
A study to understand how specific IgE antibodies against alpha-gal might influence the development and severity of atherosclerosis in humans and mouse models.
-
Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 to Reduce High Lipids and Plaque in Adults with Diabetes
A new approach uses a modified FGF1 protein to lower bad cholesterol and prevent artery plaque buildup in adults with Type 2 diabetes, aiming for safer and more effective treatment.
-
Atherosclerosis in cocaine addiction: imaging risk with PET/MR
This project uses PET/MR imaging to look for early artery disease in people with cocaine use disorder to help prevent strokes or other brain injuries.
-
How low blood flow after brain artery narrowing affects the vessel lining
This work looks at whether areas of low blood flow downstream of narrowed brain arteries cause vessel lining damage and raise the chance of another stroke, for people with intracranial artery narrowing.
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.