Understanding how specific proteins help heal blood vessel injuries
Official title: The role of endothelial connexins in vascular wound repair
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10917119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | February 9, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,781 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170721-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of vascular injuries or those undergoing procedures involving blood vessels, such as stent placements.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of vascular issues or those not undergoing any vascular interventions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sedovy, Meghan W — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Sedovy, Meghan W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing Network at the University of Arizona
A NIH-supported project at the University of Arizona aims to improve healing of diabetic foot ulcers by studying biomarkers and running high-quality clinical trials.
-
Understanding how skin layers coordinate healing after injury
Researchers are studying how different layers of adult skin coordinate rapid healing after injury to prevent infection and chronic wounds.
-
Immunomodulatory therapy to speed up healing after oral cavity injuries in kids
A new approach using a drug called FTY720 aims to improve healing and reduce pain after oral injuries or palate surgery in children.
-
How diabetic wounds let Group B Streptococcus cause infections
Researchers are learning how high blood sugar, immune changes, and other bacteria in diabetic wounds help Group B Streptococcus grow and cause worse infections in people with diabetes.
-
Understanding how skin cells exchange harmful chemicals to cause injury and wound repair
A research project aims to uncover how certain chemical agents damage human skin and what happens in the early stages of blistering and inflammation.
-
Intestinal mucosal wound healing in humans
A patient-friendly look at how the lining of the gut repairs itself after injury and why this matters for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
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.