E-cigarette nicotine affects gene changes in blood vessel cells
E-cigarette Nicotine Induces Epigenetic Changes in Vascular Cells
This study is looking at how nicotine from e-cigarettes affects the cells in your blood vessels, especially in relation to a condition called abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), to help us understand why using nicotine might increase the risk of developing this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11063176 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how nicotine from e-cigarettes influences the genetic behavior of vascular cells, particularly in relation to abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). By examining the effects of inhaled nicotine on chromatin remodeling and gene expression at a single-cell level, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that link nicotine use to increased AAA risk. The research combines experimental techniques with advanced computational analyses to provide insights into how nicotine may exacerbate vascular inflammation and stress. This could lead to a better understanding of AAA development and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of tobacco use, particularly e-cigarette users, who are at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use tobacco products or have no risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients who use e-cigarettes.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific effects of e-cigarette nicotine on AAA are not extensively studied, similar research has shown that nicotine can induce significant changes in vascular health, suggesting potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
Palo Alto, United States
- Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys — Palo Alto, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsao, Philip S — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Tsao, Philip S
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 below.