Investigating the role of a specific microRNA in improving blood flow in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia
Official title: miR-130b, angiogenesis, and diabetic critical limb ischemia
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10989897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tiny molecule called miR-130b can help improve blood flow in the legs of people with diabetes who have serious circulation problems, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent amputations and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $594,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167905-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are diabetic patients experiencing critical limb ischemia or severe peripheral artery disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those not experiencing critical limb ischemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific microRNA, miR-130b, affects blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in patients with diabetes who suffer from critical limb ischemia (CLI). The study aims to identify the mechanisms by which miR-130b can enhance blood flow to the lower extremities, which is often compromised in diabetic patients. By analyzing blood samples and conducting experiments on cells, researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve limb perfusion and reduce the risk of amputation. The approach includes both laboratory studies and potential clinical applications to directly benefit patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve blood flow and reduce the risk of amputation for diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using microRNAs for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feinberg, Mark W — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Feinberg, Mark W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Ultrasound-activated implants to restore blood flow in severe leg ischemia
This project develops ultrasound-triggered implants that release blood-vessel–growing proteins to help people with critical limb ischemia regain circulation.
-
New gene therapy to improve blood flow and prevent limb amputation in patients with severe artery blockage
This study is testing a new gene therapy that aims to help people with critical limb ischemia by encouraging blood vessel growth in their legs, which could help heal wounds and reduce the need for amputations, especially for those who haven't had success with regular treatments.
-
Investigating treatment outcomes for patients with critical limb ischemia and end-stage renal disease
This study is looking at the best treatment options for people with critical limb ischemia who also have severe kidney disease, to help doctors and patients make better choices about care and improve health outcomes.
-
New gene therapy to save limbs from severe blood flow issues
This study is testing a new gene therapy to help people with critical limb ischemia, a serious condition that causes poor blood flow to the legs, by encouraging the growth of new blood vessels to improve healing and reduce pain.
-
Understanding how diabetes affects blood vessel fat metabolism to reduce surgical complications
This study is looking at how diabetes affects blood flow and can lead to serious problems like amputations, and it will test if a medication called Fenofibrate, which helps lower fat levels in the blood, can help reduce the risk of these complications for people with diabetes.
-
Exploring pain management and psychological factors in critical limb ischemia
This study is looking at how different ways to manage pain and mental health support can help people with critical limb ischemia (CLI) feel better and improve their quality of life.
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.