Understanding why humans and chimpanzees respond differently to artery disease
Official title: Exploring Functional Divergence in Human and Chimpanzee Arteries: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11069995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the arteries of humans and chimpanzees react to a heart disease called atherosclerosis, to help us understand why chimpanzees seem to be less affected by it, even with higher cholesterol levels, and the findings could help us find better ways to prevent or treat this condition in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 23, 2025 |
| Project end | April 22, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,507 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL178171-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerosis or those with existing cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in how human and chimpanzee arteries respond to atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. By using hybrid cell lines derived from both species, the study aims to identify specific gene expression changes that could explain why chimpanzees are less susceptible to this disease despite having higher cholesterol levels. The research will involve creating arterial endothelial cells from induced pluripotent stem cells to compare their functions and characteristics. Insights gained from this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating atherosclerosis in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using hybrid cell lines is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding disease mechanisms across species.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naftaly, Jeffrey — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Naftaly, Jeffrey
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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.