Understanding how proteins help form new blood vessels
Official title: Polarized Protein Trafficking and Angiogenesis
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-11004099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called synaptotagmin-like protein 2 helps create new blood vessels in developing zebrafish, which could help us understand how blood vessels form and work in our bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $360,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL155921-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiovascular diseases or conditions that affect blood vessel development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable cardiovascular health or those not experiencing any vascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, synaptotagmin-like protein 2 (sytl2), in the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. By studying developing zebrafish embryos, researchers will observe how this protein influences the structure and function of blood vessels. The study employs advanced techniques like live imaging and CRISPR to manipulate genes and observe the effects on blood vessel development. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms that regulate blood vessel formation, which is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by enhancing our understanding of blood vessel formation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding protein roles in blood vessel development, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kushner, Erich J — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Kushner, Erich J
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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.