Creating a detailed 3D map of blood vessels in the mouse urinary tract
Official title: Building a multi-scale vascular atlas of the mouse lower urinary tract
Funded at University of Melbourne · NIH-10899566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the blood vessels and nerves in the lower urinary tract of mice develop from embryos to adults, which could help us understand how these changes might affect urinary function and related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Melbourne NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Melbourne, Australia) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,867 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK131384-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899566 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with urinary tract disorders or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of bladder function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to urinary tract function or those outside the age range of 21+ years may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing comprehensive 3D anatomical maps of the blood vessels and nerve connections in the lower urinary tract of mice, including the bladder and urethra. By examining different stages of development from embryo to adulthood, the study aims to understand how changes in organ structure affect blood vessel patterns. The project will also explore the relationship between blood vessels and the nerve systems that control them, providing new insights into urinary tract function and potential disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of urinary tract health and disease, potentially leading to improved treatments for related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative in its focus on the vascular aspects of the urinary tract, similar studies in other anatomical areas have shown promise in enhancing our understanding of organ function.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keast, Janet R — University of Melbourne
- Study coordinator: Keast, Janet R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.