Raising RECK to protect arteries from plaque
RECK as a Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · NIH-11240354
This project tests whether increasing a naturally occurring protein called RECK can reduce artery plaque and inflammation for people at risk of atherosclerotic heart disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11240354 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to boost levels of RECK, a protein found in artery-wall cells and immune cells, because it may limit tissue breakdown and inflammation in plaques. They will use cell experiments and animal models of atherosclerosis and selectively increase RECK in smooth muscle cells and macrophages to see how plaques change. Outcomes will include measures of plaque size, stability, inflammatory signals, and clearance of dead cells inside plaques. The work is intended to determine whether RECK-targeting approaches could become a new way to slow or stabilize artery disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, such as those with coronary artery disease, prior heart attack, or significant plaque on imaging.
Not a fit: People without atherosclerosis, those whose artery disease is driven by non-inflammatory causes, or those with very advanced, calcified plaques may not benefit from a RECK-based approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, therapies that raise RECK could slow plaque buildup, reduce harmful inflammation, and lower the chance of heart attacks or strokes.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively new therapeutic idea: prior laboratory work shows RECK can block protein-degrading enzymes and reduce inflammation, but it has not yet been tested as a treatment for atherosclerosis in humans.
Where this research is happening
NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES
- TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA — NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HIGASHI, YUSUKE — TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- Study coordinator: HIGASHI, YUSUKE
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.