Modulating YAP/TAZ signaling to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease
Official title: Modulation of YAP/TAZ Signaling for the Prevention and Therapy of Cardiovascular Disease
Funded at Texas Tech University · NIH-11445192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice and cell models tests a new drug-like compound to stop abnormal blood vessel cell movement and plaque buildup in the heart and arteries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $594,288 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL188529-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for ASCVD who could benefit from therapies that stabilize arteries and prevent plaque progression may be relevant for future translation.
✕Less likely to help
People without cardiovascular disease risk factors or those not candidate for vascular cell-targeted therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how the mechanical environment of blood vessels affects smooth muscle cells and whether a new TEAD-inhibiting compound, IAG933, can restore healthy cell adhesion and reduce migration that drives atherosclerosis. Researchers will examine ECM influences on YAP/TAZ signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells from ApoE knockout mice, using RNA sequencing and protein analyses. They will test whether IAG933 improves adhesion to collagen I and elastin while limiting fibronectin-driven migration, and evaluate effects on early lesion formation and progression in ApoE-deficient mice. The work could reveal a novel therapeutic approach to lower cardiovascular disease risk by stabilizing vessel walls.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new treatment strategy that reduces plaque formation and progression of cardiovascular disease by normalizing vascular cell behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown YAP/TAZ signaling affects vascular cell behavior; translation to humans remains exploratory but has foundational support.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Zhongkui — Texas Tech University
- Study coordinator: Hong, Zhongkui
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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.