Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Utah, through its Office of Sponsored Projects, received a $470,606 Project Grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), effective May 1, 2026 through January 31, 2031. This award funds multidisciplinary research to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying smoking-induced endothelial dysfunction in individuals carrying the ALDH2*2 genetic variant. The research integrates stem cell biology, molecular biology, toxicology, vascular physiology, and endothelial mechanobiology, utilizing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived endothelial cells and transgenic mouse models to investigate how tobacco smoke exposure exacerbates cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in this genetically susceptible population.

The project delivers fundamental scientific research outputs advancing precision medicine approaches for the approximately 540 million individuals globally affected by the ALDH22 variant. Anticipated products include characterization of molecular pathways linking smoking and genetic factors to endothelial dysfunction, identification of specific mechanisms driving oxidative stress and inflammation in ALDH22-carrying cells exposed to cigarette smoke, and development of evidence-based mechanistic insights to enable tailored therapeutic interventions. These findings will contribute to the NHLBI's mission of reducing morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease through enhanced understanding of disease mechanisms in genetically distinct populations.