Understanding How Plaques in Blood Vessels Become Unstable
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis
This research explores why plaques in blood vessels sometimes become unstable, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, by looking at specific cells in both laboratory models and human samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116869 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand why plaques in blood vessels sometimes become unstable, even when cholesterol levels are managed, which is a major cause of heart disease. We are closely examining how certain immune cells, called macrophages, and other cells in the blood vessel walls interact. By studying these interactions in both laboratory models and human samples, especially from patients with a condition called clonal hematopoiesis, we hope to find new ways to keep plaques stable. This could lead to better treatments for heart disease by focusing on the underlying cellular processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially those with residual risk despite cholesterol lowering or those with clonal hematopoiesis, might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or related risk factors would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that stabilize plaques in blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: While existing treatments effectively lower cholesterol, this research explores novel cellular mechanisms for plaque stabilization, representing a new and largely untested frontier in treatment.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tall, Alan Richard — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Tall, Alan Richard
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.