Redox-epigenetics and vascular stiffness in obesity-related heart disease
Official title: Redox-epigentics in vascular stiffening
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11345810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding how redox signals and epigenetic changes drive stiff blood vessels in adults with obesity, to improve cardiovascular health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $623,402 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL185387-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity (and related vascular issues) who may contribute tissue samples or participate in observational aspects of the research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or without related vascular issues may not directly benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how obesity-related changes in the blood vessels affect their stiffness, focusing on the roles of oxidative stress and gene regulation. It will study endothelial cells and tissues to map how reactive oxygen species influence epigenetic marks that promote inflammation and stiffness. The team plans to use human samples and models to identify key molecules that could be targeted to reduce vascular damage in obesity. By understanding these pathways, the research aims to suggest new strategies to prevent heart and blood vessel complications in patients with obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new approaches to prevent or reverse vascular stiffness in people with obesity, potentially lowering cardiovascular risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked oxidative stress and epigenetic changes to vascular inflammation, though precise pathways are still being clarified; this project seeks to extend that knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Devallance, Evan — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Devallance, Evan
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.