How primary cilia help stabilize blood vessels during embryo development
Official title: Primary cilia as regulators of vascular stability during embryonic development
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10985570 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny hair-like structures on blood vessel cells help keep our blood vessels strong during early development, using zebrafish to learn more about how problems with these structures might lead to heart issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $108,405 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL171944-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985570 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or those with a family history of such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without congenital heart defects or related vascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of primary cilia on endothelial cells in stabilizing blood vessels during embryonic development. It aims to understand how these cilia respond to blood flow and contribute to the recruitment of cells that support vessel integrity. By using zebrafish as a model organism, the study will explore the mechanisms behind cilia-related genetic variants linked to congenital heart defects. The findings could provide insights into how disruptions in this process may lead to cardiovascular issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for congenital heart defects.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying primary cilia in this context is relatively novel, there is existing research indicating the importance of mechanosensitive signaling in vascular health.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson-Colijn, Sarah Ann — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wilson-Colijn, Sarah Ann
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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.