How a chloride channel in blood vessel lining affects blood pressure
Chloride channels in endothelial cells
This project looks at whether a chloride channel (TMEM16A) in the cells that line arteries helps blood vessels relax and influences blood pressure, which could matter for people with high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11293418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on a protein channel called TMEM16A that moves chloride ions in the cells lining arteries to see if it helps vessels relax. They use mice engineered to turn off this channel specifically in endothelial cells and test responses to natural relaxers like acetylcholine while measuring vessel behavior and blood pressure. The team applies advanced imaging and physiological tests to compare healthy versus high blood pressure animals and to map the cell signals that activate the channel. The goal is to determine whether dysfunction of this channel contributes to the blood vessel problems seen in hypertension.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hypertension or conditions linked to poor blood vessel relaxation would be the most likely candidates to benefit from future treatments informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose blood pressure problems come from non-vascular causes or who already have well-controlled hypertension may be less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new target to restore vessel relaxation and help lower high blood pressure.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior basic research suggests endothelial TMEM16A can promote vessel dilation, but translating this into human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaggar, Jonathan H — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Jaggar, Jonathan H
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.