Robert M. Clancy, PhD

New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY

2003/2004 Cardiovascular System
2003/2004 Biomarkers

Dr. Clancy won LRI funding to establish whether early changes in the characteristics of circulating endothelial cells predict the development of atherosclerosis in people with lupus.

Endothelial cells are likely participants in the inflammation that leads to tissue damage and subsequent atherosclerotic changes that can cause heart attacks and strokes in people with lupus. They’re activated by immune stimuli likely present during a lupus flare.

His team went on to confirm that circulating endothelial cells are indeed elevated in people with lupus and accelerated atherosclerosis. Endothelial disorders are “an underdeveloped area for drug development and our work will put a spotlight on it,” Dr. Clancy said.

Select publications:

Shedding of endothelial protein C receptor contributes to vasculopathy and renal injury in lupus: In vivo and in vitro evidence. Sesin CA, Yin X, Esmon CT, Buyon JP, Clancy RM. Kidney Int. 2005 Jul; 68(1):110-20.

Ongoing funding:

Based on his discoveries made with LRI funding, Dr. Clancy subsequently won a $1 million grant from the NIH to further expand on this research.

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