Investigating how a protein affects blood vessel cell aging and stiffness
Official title: Role of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Stiffening and Senescence
Funded at Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital · NIH-10948108 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called PAI-1 affects the aging of blood vessel cells, which can get stiff and lead to heart problems as we get older, and it hopes to find new ways to help keep our hearts healthy as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005144-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948108 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly veterans, who are experiencing cardiovascular issues related to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in the aging of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which are crucial for maintaining healthy blood flow and pressure. As people age, these cells can become stiff and senescent, leading to serious cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. The study employs advanced techniques to manipulate PAI-1 levels in SMCs to observe changes in cell stiffness and aging processes. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving cardiovascular health in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve vascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting PAI-1 to improve vascular health, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fay, William P — Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fay, William P
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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.