Understanding how certain cells contribute to artery plaque formation in heart disease
Official title: Adventitial Fibroblast Phenotypic Modulation in Atherosclerosis
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11105372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells that contribute to heart disease, specifically how they help form plaque in arteries, and it aims to find new ways to treat patients with this condition.
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 start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $705,405 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL179083-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular conditions or those without significant cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a specific type of cell called Adventitial Fibroblasts (AdvFib) that plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease. By using advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics, the study aims to characterize how these cells influence plaque formation and calcification in arteries. The researchers will explore new therapeutic approaches that target these cells to potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that specifically target the cells involved in plaque formation, potentially reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How similar studies have gone: While the focus on Adventitial Fibroblasts is relatively novel, previous studies targeting different cell types in atherosclerosis have shown promising results in developing effective therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Paul Po Sheng — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Paul Po Sheng
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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.