Understanding how blood vessel cells change during heart and blood vessel calcification

Mechanobiology of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Calcification

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10849644

This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels change into different types of cells during heart and blood vessel calcification, which can cause serious health problems, and it aims to find out what triggers this change so we can develop better ways to prevent or treat these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10849644 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the process by which endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, transform into mesenchymal cells during cardiovascular calcification. This transformation is significant because it contributes to the buildup of calcium in the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to serious health issues. The study aims to explore the mechanical aspects of this process, using advanced techniques to better understand how these cells change and what triggers this transition. By identifying the mechanisms involved, the research hopes to pave the way for new therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat cardiovascular calcification.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases associated with calcification.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cardiovascular calcification or related conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively prevent or reverse cardiovascular calcification, improving heart health and reducing morbidity and mortality.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.