NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how aging affects blood vessel formation

Official title: Endothelial extracellular vesicles in aging

Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10984795 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how getting older affects the body's ability to create new blood vessels, which are important for healing and keeping organs healthy, and it focuses on tiny particles that help carry signals between cells to see how they change with age, hoping to find ways to improve health for older adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project startJuly 15, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$418,000
NIH project number1R21AG084736-01A1
Project IDNIH-10984795 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related health issues, particularly those related to cardiovascular diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger and do not have age-related conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how aging impacts the formation of new blood vessels, a process crucial for organ repair and function. It examines the role of extracellular vesicles, which are tiny particles released by cells that carry important signals, in mediating the effects of aging on blood vessel development. By studying these vesicles in aged and young animals, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to age-related diseases and impaired healing. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve health outcomes in the aging population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance blood vessel formation and improve health in older adults.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting mechanisms of angiogenesis can lead to significant improvements in age-related health conditions, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.

Where this research is happening

  • Medical College of Wisconsin
    Milwaukee, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mammoto, Akiko — Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Study coordinator: Mammoto, Akiko

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.