LRRC8 protein complex and blood vessel health
LRRC8 complex regulation of endothelial function
This work looks at how a protein complex called LRRC8 helps the cells lining blood vessels work, with the goal of helping people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292870 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use human vascular cells and genetically modified mice to identify which LRRC8 protein combinations form the volume-regulatory anion channel in blood-vessel lining cells. They will measure how these LRRC8 complexes change cell signaling pathways (AKT-eNOS and mTOR) that control vessel relaxation, responses to blood flow, and new vessel growth. The team will test how loss of LRRC8 alters blood pressure responses to angiotensin II and retinal blood flow in models of Type 2 diabetes. Finally, they will explore whether small molecules can target LRRC8 complexes to restore normal vessel function as a possible future therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or vascular-related heart disease would be the main patient groups likely relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without vascular disease, acute cardiac conditions, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets that improve blood vessel function, lower high blood pressure, and protect vision in people with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior cell and mouse studies have linked LRRC8A to endothelial signaling and blood-flow control, but targeting LRRC8 therapeutically is still a new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sah, Rajan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sah, Rajan
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 below.