Understanding and treating artery hardening in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Discovery and therapeutic targeting non-coding RNAs in T1D- or T2D-associated atherosclerosis
This project aims to find new ways to treat hardened arteries, called atherosclerosis, in people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194465 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
People with type 1 diabetes face a much higher risk of heart problems because their arteries harden faster and are harder to treat. This project looks for new treatments to slow down or reverse this hardening, which is often linked to long-term inflammation and changes in how cells behave in the artery walls. We are focusing on special genetic instructions, called non-coding RNAs, that might control these processes. By understanding these instructions, we hope to develop new medicines that can specifically target and reduce the progression of artery hardening in people with diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for or already have atherosclerosis, as it seeks to develop future therapies for them.
Not a fit: Patients without type 1 or type 2 diabetes and those not at risk for atherosclerosis would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that specifically target and reduce the severe artery hardening often seen in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, potentially preventing serious heart events.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of non-coding RNAs in atherosclerosis is an active area of investigation, directly targeting them for therapeutic benefit in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feinberg, Mark W — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Feinberg, Mark W
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.