Targeting Inflammation in Hardening of the Arteries
Official title: Targeting Integrin Signaling in Atherosclerosis
Funded at Texas Heart Institute · NIH-11294457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to find new ways to reduce inflammation in patients with atherosclerosis, a condition that causes heart attacks and strokes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Heart Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $534,347 |
| NIH project number | 4R33HL168737-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with atherosclerosis who are at risk for heart attacks and strokes might eventually benefit from new anti-inflammatory treatments developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atherosclerosis or those whose cardiovascular disease is not primarily driven by inflammation may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
We know that inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries. This project is focused on discovering and developing new medications that can specifically target and reduce this inflammation. By understanding how cells communicate through signals called integrins, we hope to create treatments that can lower the risk of serious heart problems. This work is part of a larger drug discovery effort to improve outcomes for people with cardiovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that help prevent heart attacks and strokes by controlling inflammation in the arteries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous large studies have already shown that reducing inflammation can significantly lower the risk of heart problems, supporting the idea behind this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Heart Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodside, Darren G — Texas Heart Institute
- Study coordinator: Woodside, Darren G
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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.