Why blood vessel muscle malfunctions in diabetes and HFpEF

Mechanisms of VSM dysfunction in diabetes and HFpEF

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11233291

This project looks at how high blood sugar may trigger signals from blood vessel muscle cells that change blood flow and pressure in people with diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11233291 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers are studying how high glucose causes vascular smooth muscle cells to release signaling molecules that change how vessels tighten and how blood flows. In the lab they will examine a protein complex (AKAP5/P2Y11/AC5/PKA/CaV1.2) and a channel called pannexin 1 (Panx1) using cell and animal models to see how these parts interact. The team will test whether blocking Panx1 or altering the complex prevents the abnormal vessel responses linked to diabetes and HFpEF. Results could point the way toward future clinical studies of treatments that protect blood vessel function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with diabetes or with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction who are willing to provide tissue samples or participate in follow-up clinical studies would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People without diabetes or HFpEF, or those seeking immediate changes to their clinical care, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused research right away.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug or therapy targets to protect blood vessels and reduce complications for people with diabetes and HFpEF.

How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have linked similar signaling pathways to vessel function, but the specific role of Panx1 in this nanocomplex is a newer finding with limited prior clinical testing.

Where this research is happening

Davis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.