Investigating how a protein affects abdominal aortic aneurysms
Official title: Role of CLCA1 as a MIF decoy inhibitor in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11063238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called CLCA1 works with another protein to understand what happens in abdominal aortic aneurysms, which could help find better treatments for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $642,975 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170000-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly those with a history of cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have abdominal aortic aneurysms or related cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of a protein called CLCA1 in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Researchers will explore how CLCA1 interacts with another protein, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), to understand its potential impact on the disease. By studying mouse aortic smooth muscle cells and using advanced biochemical techniques, the team aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for AAA. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the biological processes involved in this serious condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating abdominal aortic aneurysms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of MIF in cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Libby, Peter — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Libby, Peter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Delivery (RESPOND) for Guatemala
A lightweight, AI-enabled prehospital training and triage program helps volunteer firefighters in Guatemala deliver faster, better care to trauma patients.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Notification in Guatemala
A mobile, AI-powered training and triage program helps volunteer emergency responders in Guatemala provide faster, safer trauma care and notify hospitals more quickly.
-
Understanding antibiotic allergy to improve care for patients
Scientists are testing new ideas to understand why some people develop severe allergic reactions to antibiotics and how to prevent or treat them.
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.