Transforming mature smooth muscle cells into vascular progenitor cells to address vascular fibrosis
Reprogramming of mature SMCs to vascular progenitor cells: Focus on Vascular Fibrosis
This study is looking at how we can change mature smooth muscle cells into cells that help repair blood vessels, which could help reduce scarring in conditions like atherosclerosis, and it aims to find new treatments that could make blood vessels more flexible and healthy for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10904688 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mature smooth muscle cells can be reprogrammed into vascular progenitor cells to combat excessive fibrosis in blood vessels. By utilizing advanced techniques like cell-specific lineage tracing and RNA sequencing, the study aims to understand the role of the transcription factor Klf4 in maintaining these cells and preventing their transition into profibrotic myofibroblasts. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapies for conditions like atherosclerosis, where vascular stiffness and compliance are critical issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with conditions related to vascular fibrosis or atherosclerosis.
Not a fit: Patients with non-vascular related conditions or those who do not have atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve vascular health and reduce complications from atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in reprogramming cells for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiser-Evans, Mary Cm. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Weiser-Evans, Mary Cm.
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.