Understanding how blood vessel cells contribute to stiffness and heart disease
Reprogramming of mature SMCs to vascular progenitor cells: Focus on Vascular Fibrosis
This research explores how certain cells in our blood vessels change and cause stiffness, which is a problem in heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128538 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our blood vessels can become stiff due to a process called fibrosis, where too much material builds up. This stiffness makes it harder for blood to flow and is linked to conditions like atherosclerosis. We've found that special cells in blood vessels, called vascular smooth muscle cells, can change into other cells that contribute to this stiffness. This project aims to uncover the exact molecular steps that control these cell changes, focusing on a key factor called Klf4. By understanding these steps, we hope to find new ways to prevent or reverse blood vessel stiffness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for individuals living with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by blood vessel stiffness or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse blood vessel stiffness and improve outcomes for people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on a recent "paradigm-shifting discovery" by the research team, suggesting a novel approach in understanding cell origins in vascular fibrosis.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiser-Evans, Mary Cm — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Weiser-Evans, Mary Cm
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.