How cells' cleanup of vessel attachments may affect brain aneurysms
Role of Selective Autophagy of Focal Adhesion in Intracranial Aneurysm
This project looks at whether a cellular cleanup process in blood‑vessel lining cells weakens brain arteries and contributes to aneurysms in people at risk for intracranial aneurysm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251817 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how endothelial cells remove focal adhesion proteins through selective autophagy, focusing on the interaction between p62 and VASP. They will use laboratory cell experiments and animal models to see how this process affects blood vessel wall integrity in the brain. The team aims to link these molecular events to how intracranial aneurysms form and progress. Results could point to molecular targets for future treatments to prevent aneurysm growth or rupture.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms, those with a family history of aneurysm, or individuals considered at high risk for aneurysm development are the patients most likely to be relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate treatment for a ruptured aneurysm or acute subarachnoid hemorrhage would not directly benefit from this laboratory-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets to prevent aneurysm formation or weakening of brain arteries and reduce the need for invasive surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research has linked autophagy to vascular disease, but the specific p62–VASP mechanism and its role in focal adhesion turnover for aneurysm formation is a novel angle.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rui, Yanning — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Rui, Yanning
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.