Understanding how blood vessel calcification is linked to heart disease risk
Molecular mechanisms of vascular calcification and their connection to coronary disease risk
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels change and contribute to heart disease, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat conditions like coronary artery disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082325 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind vascular calcification and its connection to coronary artery disease (CAD). By using advanced techniques like lineage tracing and single cell RNA sequencing in mouse models, the study aims to uncover how smooth muscle cells in blood vessels change into different cell types that contribute to disease. The researchers have identified specific genes that influence these transitions, which could lead to new insights into preventing or treating heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for coronary artery disease, particularly those with a family history or genetic predispositions.
Not a fit: Patients with established coronary artery disease who are already receiving treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating coronary artery disease by targeting the mechanisms of vascular calcification.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vascular disease mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quertermous, Thomas — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Quertermous, Thomas
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.