How blood flow controls the ALK1/ENG pathway in blood vessel health and disease
Flow regulation of the Alk1/Eng pathway in vascular homeostasis and disease
This project looks at how blood flow changes a key ALK1/ENG signaling pathway in blood vessels to find ways to prevent or fix dangerous vessel malformations and poor artery remodeling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097342 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will examine how the force of blood flow alters signals in endothelial cells through the ALK1/ENG pathway using molecular experiments and laboratory models. They plan to map a two-state regulatory network that determines whether vessels remain stable or undergo outward remodeling that can be normal or lead to arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Using those findings they will test control points in preclinical models to identify molecular targets. The aim is to translate these discoveries into therapies that can stabilize vessels or promote healthy widening where needed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) who have arteriovenous malformations or adults with coronary or peripheral artery disease and impaired vessel remodeling would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without vascular disease, children unless later included, or patients whose condition is unrelated to the ALK1/ENG pathway are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse vessel malformations in HHT and improve arterial remodeling after blockages.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked ALK1/ENG to HHT, but using flow-responsive control points as therapeutic targets is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eichmann, Anne Christine — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Eichmann, Anne Christine
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.