Regulating artery disease with a long non-coding RNA called IRF1-AS1
Official title: Regulation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by long non-coding RNA IRF1-AS1
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11295561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at NYU School of Medicine explores whether a special RNA molecule called IRF1-AS1 helps drive artery plaque and whether blocking it could reduce heart disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $763,960 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL178822-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who could participate in future RNA-targeting studies or be eligible for related trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atherosclerotic disease or those not eligible for RNA-targeting therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how IRF1-AS1, a long non-coding RNA found in artery plaque, affects inflammation and lipid metabolism. Using data from human and mouse plaques, researchers will uncover how IRF1-AS1 coordinates multiple genes that worsen atherosclerosis. They will test if inhibiting IRF1-AS1 or its mouse counterpart can lower inflammation and plaque buildup, potentially slowing disease progression. The work combines molecular studies in cells with experiments in animal models to evaluate a novel therapeutic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new RNA-based treatments that reduce artery inflammation and plaque, lowering cardiovascular risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that targeting disease-related RNAs can modulate inflammation and atherosclerosis in models, making this a promising but exploratory approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Solingen, Coen — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Van Solingen, Coen
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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.