Investigating how smooth muscle cells affect plaque stability in heart disease.
Official title: Smooth muscle cell-derived cell fates and cellular interactions in atherosclerotic plaque stability in disease progression and regression.
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11001916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels can help keep heart plaques stable or make them worse, which is important for people with heart disease, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatments for those at risk of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,190 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166916-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who are currently undergoing lipid-lowering therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or those not on lipid-lowering therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of smooth muscle cell-derived cells in the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, which are critical in cardiovascular disease. By examining how these cells interact with immune cells like macrophages, the study aims to understand the mechanisms that lead to plaque stabilization or destabilization. Using advanced techniques in mouse models and human samples, the research will identify different types of smooth muscle cells and their functions in disease progression and regression. The ultimate goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for patients at risk of cardiovascular events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the role of smooth muscle cells in cardiovascular disease, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reilly, Muredach P — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Reilly, Muredach P
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.