Using genes to find new risk factors and treatments for carotid artery disease
Official title: Leveraging the Genetics of carotid stenosis for identifying novel risk factors and therapeutic opportunities
Funded at Philadelphia VA Medical Center · NIH-11400857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using big genetic data to uncover why carotid artery disease occurs and to find new ways to prevent and treat it for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006159-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with carotid stenosis or at risk for cerebrovascular ASCVD who contribute data or biospecimens to large-scale genetic studies through VA programs may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to VA programs or without carotid disease may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how genetic differences influence carotid artery disease and identify potential targets for prevention and therapy. It leverages large datasets from the VA Million Veteran Program and uses natural language processing to analyze medical records and genetic information. The work focuses on understanding disease-specific biology in the cerebrovascular system and how it differs from other ASCVD conditions, with the goal of guiding personalized prevention and treatment strategies. By linking genes, lifestyle factors, and military exposures, the study seeks to reveal new biomarkers and possible therapeutic opportunities for patients affected by carotid stenosis and related cerebrovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to personalized prevention strategies and new therapeutic targets for patients with carotid artery disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior genetic studies have identified new biology and therapeutic targets in CHD and PAD, but cerebrovascular genetic work has lagged; this project builds on that foundation with a novel focus on carotid disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damrauer, Scott Michael — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Damrauer, Scott Michael
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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.