Understanding how Klotho affects artery calcification in heart and metabolic diseases
Official title: Cardiometabolic disease and vascular aging: Klotho regulation of medial arterial calcification
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10998418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Klotho affects blood vessel health in people with peripheral artery disease, especially those with diabetes or kidney issues, to better understand why some patients develop serious problems like artery hardening and limb amputation, and to find new ways to help prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,756 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL176076-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, particularly those experiencing chronic limb-threatening ischemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without peripheral artery disease or those not experiencing vascular calcification may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Klotho, a protein that regulates insulin and phosphate levels, in the development of medial artery calcification (MAC) associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The study aims to understand how conditions like diabetes and renal disease contribute to vascular calcification, particularly in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). By analyzing tissue and serum samples from patients, the research seeks to uncover the molecular changes that occur in the arteries and how these changes may lead to complications such as limb amputation. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating vascular calcification.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce vascular calcification, improving outcomes for patients with PAD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vascular calcification mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on Klotho regulation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Iris — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Liu, Iris
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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.