Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport received a $737,242 Project Grant award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), effective May 1, 2026, with completion targeted for January 31, 2030. The research project investigates macrophage one-carbon metabolism's role in atherosclerotic plaque stability, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets to stabilize rupture-prone plaques and promote atherosclerosis regression. The project examines how serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2)-dependent one-carbon metabolism in macrophages affects plaque stability features, utilizing myeloid-specific genetically modified mice and stable-isotope tracing methodologies to elucidate mechanisms linking impaired one-carbon metabolism to defective efferocytosis and plaque destabilization.

This research addresses a critical gap in understanding amino acid metabolism's contribution to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide despite advances in lipid-lowering therapies. The project deliverables include peer-reviewed publications, mechanistic insights regarding macrophage metabolism and atherosclerosis progression, and identification of potential therapeutic intervention points to enhance macrophage-mediated clearance of apoptotic cells—findings with significant implications for developing new treatment strategies to reduce residual cardiovascular disease risk.