Understanding how certain proteins and conditions affect the growth of coronary blood vessels
Official title: Investigating the Roles of APJ, Hypoxia, and SOX17 in the Development of Coronary Vessels
Funded at Ball State University · NIH-10291709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins and conditions affect the growth of blood vessels in the heart, which is important for keeping your heart healthy, and it’s aimed at helping people with coronary artery disease by finding new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ball State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Muncie, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $428,961 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL159660-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10291709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk for or suffering from coronary artery disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of specific proteins and environmental conditions in the formation of coronary blood vessels, which are crucial for heart health. Using advanced techniques in cell and molecular biology, the study focuses on how factors like APJ, hypoxia, and the SOX17 protein influence the development of these vessels during embryonic growth. By studying transgenic mouse models, researchers aim to uncover the cellular mechanisms that guide the formation of coronary vessels, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for coronary artery disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for coronary artery disease, potentially reducing its prevalence and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding vascular development and its implications for heart disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Ball State University
Muncie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Bikram — Ball State University
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Bikram
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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.