Investigating how protein arginine methylation affects blood vessel cell changes and calcification
Official title: Protein Arginine Methylation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation and Calcification
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11099480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels can turn into bone-like cells, which can make your arteries stiff and raise your chances of heart problems, and it aims to find new ways to stop this from happening and keep your heart healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $702,421 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL167201-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions associated with vascular calcification, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, or kidney disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without vascular calcification or related cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) transform into bone-like cells, which contributes to vascular calcification—a condition that stiffens arteries and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study employs advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to identify the role of a specific protein, PRMT1, in regulating this transformation. By exploring the mechanisms behind this process, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for preventing vascular calcification and improving cardiovascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse vascular calcification, significantly improving cardiovascular health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of PRMT1 in vascular calcification is not well-established, similar studies have shown promising results in targeting cellular transformations in cardiovascular diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yabing — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yabing
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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.