Targeted gene therapy to protect prosthetic leg bypass grafts
Targeted Gene Therapies for the Prevention of Prosthetic Bypass Graft Failure
This project uses targeted gene-silencing treatments to prevent narrowing and failure of synthetic bypass grafts in people with blocked leg arteries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251803 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to reduce the scarring and narrowing that causes prosthetic bypass grafts in the leg to fail by lowering the activity of two genes, TSP-2 and MARCKS, using small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivered to the graft site. The team builds on prior laboratory and animal work showing that knocking down these genes can limit the abnormal vessel wall thickening after arterial injury. They will develop and optimize targeted delivery methods and test effects in preclinical models and human tissue samples over the project period. The work is centered at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and could lead to future clinical testing in patients who need prosthetic lower-extremity bypasses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with peripheral artery disease who require lower-extremity bypass and do not have suitable vein for a vein graft would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People who receive native vein grafts, do not have prosthetic bypass grafts, or whose health prevents local gene treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower the rate of graft failure, reduce repeat procedures, and decrease the risk of limb loss.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that siRNA targeting TSP-2 and MARCKS can reduce intimal hyperplasia in animal models, but translation to human patients remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Patric — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Liang, Patric
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.