Targeting epigenetics and using nanotechnology to prevent narrowing of blood vessels after surgery
Official title: Epigenetic targeting and nanoplatform-enabled local drug delivery - a two-pronged approach to stenosis prevention after vascular surgery
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10995347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help prevent problems after vascular surgeries, like bypass grafting, by using a special treatment that targets a factor in the body that can cause blood vessels to narrow, which could lead to better recovery for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $642,482 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168405-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing vascular surgeries, particularly those at risk of developing neointimal hyperplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone vascular surgery or those with conditions unrelated to vascular health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing complications after vascular surgeries, such as bypass grafting, which often fail due to a condition called neointimal hyperplasia (IH). The study investigates the role of an epigenetic factor, DOT1L, which contributes to the development of IH by affecting vascular smooth muscle cells. By using a specially designed nanoplatform called Epi^NanoPaint, the researchers aim to deliver a targeted drug that inhibits DOT1L, potentially reducing the risk of vessel narrowing post-surgery. The approach is based on promising results from animal models, indicating that this method could improve surgical outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of complications and failures in vascular surgeries, leading to better long-term outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using targeted epigenetic therapies and nanotechnology for similar vascular conditions, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Lianwang — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Guo, Lianwang
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.