Investigating how amino acid starvation affects abdominal aortic aneurysms
Official title: The Role of Amino Acid Starvation Response Kinase GCN2 in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11122292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cutting back on certain amino acids in your diet might help slow down the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms in older adults, and it aims to find new, non-surgical ways to keep your aorta healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $363,912 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162895-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly those who may not be suitable for surgical repair.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already undergone surgical treatment for AAA or those with advanced AAA may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a serious condition affecting many elderly individuals. The study explores how dietary restrictions on certain amino acids, like methionine and leucine, can potentially slow the progression of AAA by activating a protective response in the body. Researchers will use animal models to examine the role of a specific kinase, GCN2, which is believed to help maintain aortic health during amino acid starvation. The goal is to identify non-surgical treatment options that could benefit patients at risk of AAA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary-based therapies that help prevent the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms, reducing the need for risky surgical interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with dietary interventions in other cardiovascular conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach to AAA management.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Bowen — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Wang, Bowen
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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.