Understanding how specific proteins help heal blood vessel injuries

The role of endothelial connexins in vascular wound repair

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-10917119

This study is looking at a protein called connexin 43 to understand how it helps blood vessels heal after injuries, which is important for people recovering from heart problems, and aims to find ways to make this healing process better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10917119 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called connexin 43 in the healing process of blood vessels, particularly after injuries that can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks. The study aims to identify how this protein functions in normal healing and what goes wrong when healing is impaired. By using animal models and cultured human cells, researchers will explore the mechanisms behind endothelial cell repair and how connexin 43 contributes to this process. The ultimate goal is to improve healing in blood vessels to enhance patient outcomes after vascular interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of vascular injuries or those undergoing procedures involving blood vessels, such as stent placements.

Not a fit: Patients with no history of vascular issues or those not undergoing any vascular interventions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with vascular injuries, potentially reducing complications like stent failure and heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that connexin proteins play a significant role in cell communication and healing, suggesting that this research builds on established findings but focuses on a specific and less understood aspect of vascular healing.

Where this research is happening

BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.