E-cigarette nicotine affects gene changes in blood vessel cells
Official title: E-cigarette Nicotine Induces Epigenetic Changes in Vascular Cells
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11063176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006438-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063176 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use tobacco products or have no risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
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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.