Investigating how misfolded proteins affect smooth muscle cells and heart disease
Official title: Unfolding the role of misfolded proteins in smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation and atherosclerosis
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11062502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins that don't fold properly in smooth muscle cells might contribute to heart disease, especially when exposed to things like air pollution and tobacco smoke, and it hopes to find new ways to protect your heart and improve treatments for heart conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $115,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HL173074-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for coronary heart disease, particularly those exposed to environmental stressors like air pollution or tobacco smoke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of cardiovascular issues or those not exposed to the identified environmental stressors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of misfolded proteins in smooth muscle cells and their contribution to atherosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease. The study will explore how environmental stressors, such as air pollution and tobacco smoke, lead to protein misfolding and stress in these cells. By isolating and identifying these misfolded proteins, the researchers aim to uncover their impact on heart health and the potential protective role of specific receptors in mitigating this damage. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for heart disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting protein misfolding and stress responses can lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating cardiovascular diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Juyong Brian — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Juyong Brian
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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.