How the aorta's structure and stiffness lead to dangerous tears (aortic dissection)
Multi-Scale Integration of Extracellular Matrix Mechanics in Vascular Remodeling
This project looks at how changes in the aorta's tiny structures and stiffness lead to dangerous tears called aortic dissection to help people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166512 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying the tiny layers and mechanical properties of the aortic wall to understand why and where dissections start. They combine 3D imaging, tissue-level mechanical testing, and computer models to link microstructure changes to the large-scale behavior of the artery. The work uses human aortic tissue (for example from surgical repairs), alongside experimental models, to find early signs of weakness. The goal is to identify mechanical and structural markers that could guide earlier diagnosis or targeted interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with known aortic disease such as aneurysm or connective tissue disorders, patients undergoing aortic surgery who can donate tissue, or individuals with a strong family history of aortic dissection.
Not a fit: People without aortic disease or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct, immediate clinical benefit from this mechanistic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at high risk for aortic dissection earlier and inform better ways to prevent or treat dangerous aortic tears.
How similar studies have performed: Prior biomechanics and imaging studies have improved understanding of aortic disease, but integrating multiscale microstructure and mechanical testing for early detection is a relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yanhang Katherine — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yanhang Katherine
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.