How Plexin‑D1 controls blood vessel diameter
Mechanistic bases of vessel diameter regulation by Plexind1 - Resubmission
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11114073
Researchers are learning how the Plexin‑D1 protein and blood flow work together to set artery and vein sizes so blood flows properly.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11114073 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses transparent zebrafish embryos, mouse models, and human blood vessel cells grown in the lab to learn how Plexin‑D1 and its Semaphorin partners determine vessel caliber. The team will alter genes, apply controlled flow or flow-like forces, and use high-resolution imaging to observe changes in vessel structure and cell behavior. Comparative experiments across species will test which molecular and cellular mechanisms are conserved in mammals. The overall aim is to connect specific signaling events and structural changes to abnormal blood flow that can harm cardiovascular health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The project does not enroll patients, but adults with vascular conditions such as atherosclerotic disease, peripheral artery disease, or congenital vascular malformations would be most likely to benefit from future therapies based on these findings.
Not a fit: People without vascular disease or those needing immediate emergency care (for example, heart attack or stroke treatment) are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for preventing or treating blood flow problems and related cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies have shown Semaphorin‑Plexin signaling influences vessel patterning, but using this pathway specifically to control vessel diameter is a newer and less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TORRES-VÁZQUEZ, JESÚS — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: TORRES-VÁZQUEZ, JESÚS
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.