How mechanical forces affect blood vessel growth in heart conditions

Mechanical Control of Coronary Angiogenesis in Myocardial Adaptation to Ischemia

NIH-funded research University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-10447211

This study is looking at how pressure in the heart affects the growth of new blood vessels when someone has heart issues, and it’s exploring whether a specific protein can help improve blood flow, which could lead to better treatments for heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Toledo, United States)
Project IDNIH-10447211 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how mechanical forces in the heart can hinder the growth of new blood vessels during conditions like ischemia and hypertrophy, which can lead to heart failure. The study aims to understand the role of a specific ion channel, TRPV4, in endothelial cells and how its absence may enhance blood vessel formation. By using both laboratory and animal models, the researchers will explore the relationship between mechanical stress and coronary angiogenesis, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for heart disease. Patients may benefit from insights gained about improving blood flow in the heart.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing ischemia or heart failure, particularly those with left ventricular hypertrophy.

Not a fit: Patients with stable heart conditions that do not involve ischemia or significant hypertrophy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance blood vessel growth in patients with heart conditions, potentially improving heart function and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting mechanosensitive pathways can influence angiogenesis, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Toledo, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.