RSPO2 and LGR4 proteins in artery plaque and cholesterol drainage
RSPO2-LGR4 signaling in atherosclerosis
This research looks at whether blocking RSPO2-LGR4 signaling can reduce artery plaque and help arteries clear cholesterol in people with atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11254900 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine artery samples from people and mice to see how RSPO2 and its receptor LGR4 affect vascular smooth muscle cells and the nearby lymphatic vessels. They will use single-cell RNA sequencing, lineage-tracing, and genetic tools to track cell changes and measure lymphatic cholesterol drainage. In mice, the team will block RSPO2-LGR4 signaling around arteries to see if plaques shrink and lipid removal improves. Results from human tissue analyses and animal experiments could point to new targets for therapies that reduce arterial plaque.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or patients undergoing vascular surgery who can donate arterial tissue or join future clinical tests based on these findings.
Not a fit: People without atherosclerosis or those seeking immediate therapeutic benefit should not expect direct help from this basic and preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new way to reduce arterial plaque and improve cholesterol clearance, potentially lowering heart attack and stroke risk.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal work, and expression studies in human artery samples, have shown promising effects, but this pathway has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singla, Bhupesh — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Singla, Bhupesh
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.