Finding better warning signs for problems in the upper aorta (ascending aortic aneurysm)
Official title: Complementary animal and computational models for biomarker identification in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11117068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are combining mouse experiments, computer simulations, and patient scans to find sets of markers that could warn people with ascending aortic aneurysms about the risk of rapid growth, tearing, or rupture.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $590,132 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164800-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms, including those with Marfan syndrome or similar connective-tissue risks, and patients who have available aortic imaging would be most relevant to this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without ascending aortic aneurysms, those with only descending aortic disease, or patients who lack usable imaging or related clinical data are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant's findings.
What this research studies
The team will use a genetic mouse model linked to Marfan syndrome to track how aneurysms form and change over time. They will build multiscale, multiphysics computer models of aneurysm growth and blood flow to test how tissue, genetics, and shape interact. Real patient imaging will be turned into virtual patient models so the researchers can compare simulated signals with human anatomy. By combining animal data, simulations, and patient images they aim to identify composite biomarkers that better predict dangerous aneurysm progression than diameter alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors identify which aneurysms are likely to tear or rupture so patients get surgery at the right time and avoid emergency events.
How similar studies have gone: Animal models and computational simulations have supported aneurysm research before, but using combined composite biomarkers from mice, physics models, and patient imaging to predict failure in ascending aortic aneurysms is relatively novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagenseil, Jessica — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wagenseil, Jessica
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarker clues from animal and computer models to predict when the ascending aorta could fail
Researchers will combine animal studies and computer models to find biological clues that help predict dangerous changes in the ascending aorta for people with aortic aneurysm.
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Understanding the causes and treatments for thoracic aortic aneurysm
This study is looking into how thoracic aortic aneurysms develop in people with Marfan syndrome, with the goal of finding new ways to treat this condition, and it involves testing different medications on animal models to see how they affect aortic health.
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This study is looking at how certain physical changes in the aorta can help us understand why some aortic aneurysms grow or tear, specifically in veterans, so we can improve how we decide when surgery is needed.
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This study is looking at how the fat around blood vessels might affect the development of thoracic aortic aneurysms, a serious condition, and aims to find new ways to prevent or treat it, with the help of patients who can share tissue samples or participate in related studies.
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.