Protein and gene clues to prevent ischemic stroke
Proteomics and Genomics to Identify Therapeutic Targets for Ischemic Stroke Prevention
Researchers will measure thousands of blood proteins and use genetic data from people who've had a stroke or have atrial fibrillation to find biological targets that could help prevent future ischemic strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146729 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses stored blood samples, genetic information, and long-term medical records from participants in the Heart and Vascular Health study. Investigators will measure about 5,300 circulating proteins using the Olink platform in hundreds of people with prior ischemic stroke and with atrial fibrillation. They'll link protein levels to up to 25 years of follow-up data to see which proteins track with future stroke risk. For proteins tied to stroke risk, genetic techniques such as Mendelian randomization and colocalization will be used to test whether those proteins are likely causes and potential drug targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The focus is on adults with a history of ischemic stroke or with atrial fibrillation, especially those already enrolled in long-term cardiovascular research cohorts.
Not a fit: People without prior ischemic stroke or atrial fibrillation, or those seeking immediate treatment for acute stroke, are unlikely to directly benefit from this analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new drug targets to lower ischemic stroke risk with fewer bleeding side effects than current anticoagulants.
How similar studies have performed: Related proteomics and genetic studies have found promising targets in other cardiovascular diseases, but applying this combined approach specifically to long-term ischemic stroke prevention is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalani, Rizwan — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kalani, Rizwan
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.