Understanding Ceramide's Role in Blood Vessel Health and Heart Disease
Dual Functionality of Ceramide in Human Microvascular Endothelial Function
This research explores how a molecule called ceramide affects our small blood vessels, which is important for understanding and preventing heart conditions like coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125871 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Elevated levels of ceramide in the blood are linked to serious heart problems, including heart attacks and certain types of heart failure. This project aims to understand how ceramide impacts the tiny blood vessels that supply our organs, specifically looking at how these vessels expand and contract. We want to discover the exact ways ceramide influences these processes, sometimes promoting healthy dilation and other times contributing to inflammation. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to protect our heart and blood vessels.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction may ultimately benefit from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to ceramide levels or microvascular dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure by targeting ceramide pathways.
How similar studies have performed: While ceramide is known to be a risk factor, this project addresses a significant gap in understanding its dual role in human microvascular endothelium, suggesting a novel approach to a known problem.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freed, Julie K — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Freed, Julie K
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.