Understanding how smooth muscle cells change in atherosclerosis
Official title: Spatial smooth muscle cell transition states in atherosclerosis
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11070235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels change during atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, and it hopes to find ways to help keep those dangerous plaques stable and reduce your risk of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,958 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL178164-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly those with existing plaque formation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have atherosclerosis or related cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to heart attacks and strokes. By using advanced spatial transcriptomics technology and animal models, the study aims to uncover how SMCs transition from the protective fibrous cap of arterial plaques into the core, where they may adopt different cell identities. This understanding could help develop therapies that stabilize plaques and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events for patients. The research focuses on the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that stabilize arterial plaques and significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding smooth muscle cell behavior in atherosclerosis, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jovin, Daniel — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Jovin, Daniel
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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.