Turning off a 'clock gene' in artery muscle cells to prevent arteries from re‑narrowing
Targeting smooth muscle cell BMAL1 as a new therapeutic strategy against restenosis
Researchers are seeing whether lowering activity of a 'clock' gene called BMAL1 in artery wall muscle cells can stop arteries from narrowing again after procedures like stents for people with coronary artery disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11243538 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I’m someone who has had a stent or bypass, this research is looking at whether reducing a gene called BMAL1 in the muscle cells of blood vessels can lower the chance that the artery narrows again. The team uses genetically engineered mice that lack BMAL1 specifically in smooth muscle and performs artery injury models (like wire injury and ligation) to measure scarring and cell overgrowth inside the vessel. They will study inflammation, cell proliferation, and lipid signaling (including arachidonic acid metabolism) to understand how BMAL1 affects vessel healing. Results in these animal models could point to new drug targets to prevent restenosis in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with coronary artery disease who have had or will have coronary revascularization (stents or bypass) and are worried about arteries re‑narrowing would be the eventual candidates for treatments based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients without arterial narrowing issues or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this primarily animal-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that reduce restenosis after stents or bypass, lowering the need for repeat procedures and related complications.
How similar studies have performed: This is an emerging approach: prior mouse studies, including the investigators' own work, show that deleting BMAL1 in smooth muscle can protect against aneurysm and reduce neointimal hyperplasia in mice, but human evidence is not yet available.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Zhenheng — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Guo, Zhenheng
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.