Understanding Protein Changes in Stiffened Blood Vessels
Protein Arginine Methylation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation and Calcification
This project explores how a specific protein change, called protein arginine methylation, affects the stiffening and hardening of blood vessels, a condition known as vascular calcification.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124943 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Vascular calcification makes arteries stiff and is a major predictor of heart disease and mortality, yet there are currently no direct treatments. We know that certain cells in blood vessels can transform into bone-like cells, which is key to this hardening process. Our work has shown that a protein called Runx2 is crucial in this transformation, and we've identified a new protein, PRMT1, that appears to stop Runx2 from acting. This project aims to understand how PRMT1 works to prevent blood vessel cells from changing and hardening, potentially leading to new ways to treat vascular calcification.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients experiencing or at risk for vascular calcification, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Not a fit: Patients without vascular calcification or related cardiovascular conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new therapies that directly target and prevent vascular calcification, improving cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of PRMT1 in vascular calcification is novel and largely unexplored, the importance of Runx2 in this process has been established by prior research.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yabing — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yabing
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.