Investigating how nitrogen metabolism affects smooth muscle cell behavior in arteries
Official title: The role of nitrogen metabolism in smooth muscle cell phenotypic plasticity
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11001954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in muscle cells in your arteries can lead to heart problems, and it hopes to find new ways to treat coronary artery disease that could help patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 19, 2022 |
| Project end | December 18, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,448 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL165772-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for coronary artery disease, particularly those with a family history or genetic predisposition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have risk factors for coronary artery disease or those with advanced CAD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of nitrogen metabolism in the behavior of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) within arteries, particularly how these cells change from a healthy state to a more harmful one during the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). By analyzing genetic factors and cellular mechanisms, the study aims to uncover how SMCs contribute to plaque formation and atherosclerosis. The approach includes advanced techniques like RNA sequencing to identify molecular pathways that could be targeted for new therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments for CAD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies that directly target the underlying causes of coronary artery disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting genetic factors related to coronary artery disease, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perry, Robert Noah — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Perry, Robert Noah
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.