Finding non-surgical ways to manage abdominal aortic aneurysms
Official title: Mechanistic and Translational Determination of PERK-targeting Strategies for Non-surgical Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11072064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms without surgery by focusing on a protein called PERK, which could help slow down or even reverse the condition, making it safer for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,384 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167902-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk of developing or have been diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms or those who have already undergone surgical treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing non-invasive treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a serious condition that often requires risky surgical intervention. The study investigates the role of a specific protein, PERK, which is involved in the degeneration of smooth muscle cells in the aorta. By targeting PERK, the researchers aim to slow down or reverse the progression of AAA, potentially leading to new drug therapies. The approach includes both pharmacological methods and innovative delivery systems to effectively address this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking non-surgical treatment option for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting PERK in the context of AAA is innovative, preliminary data suggests that similar strategies have shown promise in related vascular conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kent, K Craig — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kent, K Craig
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How the small regulator miR-146a affects abdominal aortic aneurysm
This project aims to see if boosting a natural genetic regulator called miR-146a can help slow or prevent growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms in people with this condition.
-
MOF’s role in weakening the aorta and stopping aneurysm growth
Scientists are studying how a molecule called MOF and inflammatory signals affect abdominal aortic aneurysms to find ways to slow or stop their enlargement.
-
Endovascular Suturing Device to Improve Endograft Fixation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
A new device aims to better secure endografts during EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm to reduce future repairs.
-
Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
A study exploring how fats in the blood (TRLs) influence the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms to find non-surgical ways to protect against rupture, especially in people aged 65 and older.
-
Using genetics to uncover how abdominal aortic aneurysms develop
A research team will study how genetic differences influence abdominal aortic aneurysm to help with earlier prevention and better treatment.
-
Phospholipid-based nanotherapies to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm
A new nanoparticle treatment is being developed to slow or stop the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms in adults.
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.