How aging affects the elasticity of arterial tissue
Official title: Multiscale Effects of Aging on Elastic Arterial Tissue Mechanics
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10811244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects a key protein in our blood vessels that helps keep our circulation healthy, and the findings could lead to better treatments for heart problems related to aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $280,340 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG075690-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811244 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cardiovascular issues or those interested in understanding the effects of aging on their vascular health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute cardiovascular conditions or those who are not of advanced age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of aging on the mechanical properties of elastin in arterial tissue, which is crucial for maintaining proper blood circulation. By using advanced molecular modeling and experimental techniques, the study aims to uncover how the structure and function of elastin change over time. This understanding could lead to insights into cardiovascular health and disease, particularly as it relates to aging. Patients may benefit from findings that could inform new treatments or preventive measures for age-related cardiovascular issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for age-related cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding elastin's role in cardiovascular health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tarakanova, Anna — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Tarakanova, Anna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Aging Well with HIV: Alcohol, Risk Reduction, and Education Center (AWAR3E)
A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Biological aging across the lifespan through a national high school-to-adult study
This grant uses a long-running national study of students and adults to collect saliva biomarkers of aging, alongside surveys, to understand how aging markers relate to health and life experiences.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Understanding how brain resilience and multiple brain pathologies influence aging and Alzheimer's disease
A long-term study follows older adults to learn how resilience to brain changes helps reduce dementia risk and what biological factors are linked to better cognitive aging.
-
National Neighborhood Data Archive helps researchers study aging health in U.S. neighborhoods
A nationwide data resource will help researchers understand how where people live affects health and aging, with a focus on respiratory illnesses in older 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.