Targeting how macrophages stick to damaged arteries in atherosclerosis
Official title: Targeting macrophage retention in the extracellular matrix during atherosclerosis
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11444687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how inflammatory fats create sticky spots in artery walls that trap macrophages, which could worsen atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $536,447 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL189169-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to this grant as described (basic mechanistic study in cells/tat tissue, not a patient population).
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is described in the abstract.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers at East Tennessee State University will study how oxidation products from fats like DHA and arachidonic acid form new attachments in the artery wall that make macrophages cling to inflamed sites. They will test how these attachments influence macrophage sticking and movement in a 3-D artery environment, and identify where these bindings occur. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that keep macrophages at sites of chronic inflammation so future therapies could interrupt this process and reduce artery damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that prevent macrophages from accumulating in inflamed arteries, potentially slowing or preventing atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that oxidation products can modify ECM and influence immune cell adhesion, suggesting this approach could yield actionable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yakubenko, Valentin P — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Yakubenko, Valentin P
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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.