Understanding blood vessel problems in diabetes and heart failure

Mechanisms of VSM dysfunction in diabetes and HFpEF

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10995308

This study is looking at how diabetes affects blood vessels and aims to understand why some people with diabetes and heart failure have trouble with blood flow and blood pressure, focusing on a specific protein that might play a role in these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10995308 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how diabetes affects the function of blood vessels, particularly focusing on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) dysfunction. The team aims to uncover the mechanisms behind impaired blood flow and blood pressure regulation in patients with diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). By studying a specific protein complex that responds to high glucose levels, the researchers hope to identify how these changes contribute to vascular complications. This work involves advanced biochemical techniques and animal models to explore the role of a protein called pannexin 1 in these processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes and/or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or heart failure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood vessel function and reduce complications for patients with diabetes and heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vascular dysfunction in diabetes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.