# The Role of SECTM1 in Monocyte Biology and Atherosclerosis

> **NIH NIH K08** · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $164,084

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY /ABSTRACT
 This proposal details a comprehensive training program for a mentored career development award in
functional genomics and systems biology and its application to cardiovascular disease. The applicant seeks to
use proteomics and human genetics to provide novel insight into the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis that
can be tested, mechanistically in small animal models. The candidate is an Instructor of Medicine at Harvard
Medical School and the Director of Cardiovascular Genetics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The
outlined proposal builds on the candidate’s strong background in bioinformatics following his Master of
Biomedical Informatics from Harvard Medical School, to new areas of expertise: computational genomics and
small animal model systems. The candidate’s mentor is a renowned expert in molecular profiling using omic
technologies and retro-translating novel findings back to the bench in small animal models of disease. The
candidate’s scientific advisory committee has a distinguished track record of mentorship and extensive
expertise in monocyte biology, murine models of atherosclerosis, human genetics and bioinformatics.
 The proposed research builds on preliminary studies showing an association of SECTM1, a poorly
studied protein with proposed chemokine activity for monocytes and regulator of macrophage phagocytosis,
with the development of coronary heart disease in the Jackson Heart Study using proteomic profiling. The
applicant now proposes to test the hypothesis that SECTM1 is novel regulator of monocyte biology and
contributes to atherosclerosis formation using a murine model of disease. In Aim 1, the applicant will
determine the effect of SECTM1a on the proliferation of monocyte progenitors in the bone marrow and its
associated pathways. In Aim 2, the applicant will assess the effect of SECTM1a on atherosclerosis lesion
formation in mouse models. In Aim 3, the applicant will test the causal association of SECTM1 with other
circulating proteins using Mendelian randomization studies to inform new biology of SECTM1-related pathways
in humans and will provide a springboard for future mechanistic studies in small animal models.
 Coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, despite the substantial
advancements in our understanding of disease pathways and preventative treatments. A large body of
evidence has implicated inflammation as a key contributor to the residual burden of disease, with monocytes
being important mediators of these processes. The proposal aims to use functional genomics and a systems
biology approach towards delineating novel inflammatory pathways towards development of atherosclerosis
that has the potential for new targets for preventative treatments for coronary heart disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10525199
- **Project number:** 1K08HL161445-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Usman A. Tahir
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $164,084
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-08-09 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10525199

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10525199, The Role of SECTM1 in Monocyte Biology and Atherosclerosis (1K08HL161445-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10525199. Licensed CC0.

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