How mechanical signals affect heart and blood vessel responses in cardiovascular disease
Official title: Signaling pathways regulating mechanoreflex sensitization in cardiovascular disease
Funded at Kansas State University · NIH-11110402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exercise affects the nervous system and heart health, especially for people with peripheral artery disease, to find ways to make exercise safer and help reduce the risk of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $520,628 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL161160-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110402 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiovascular disease who experience exercise intolerance or are at risk for ischemic events during physical activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cardiovascular disease or those who do not experience exercise-related complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mechanical forces during exercise can lead to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which may cause serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes. Using a rat model that simulates peripheral artery disease, the study aims to understand the cellular signaling mechanisms in muscle sensory neurons that contribute to this heightened response. By employing various experimental techniques, the researchers will explore how these pathways can be altered to improve exercise tolerance and reduce risks for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance exercise tolerance and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific signaling pathways being investigated may be novel, previous research has shown that understanding mechanoreflex pathways can lead to significant advancements in cardiovascular treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Kansas State University
Manhattan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Copp, Steven W — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Copp, Steven W
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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.