Investigating how cell death affects abdominal aortic aneurysms
Official title: Vascular smooth muscle cell ferroptosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10879017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels might die in a way that contributes to the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms, which can be a serious health issue, and it aims to find new ways to treat this condition, especially for those affected by smoking or genetics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $675,290 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166203-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879017 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 smoking or genetic factors linked to decreased GPX4 expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have abdominal aortic aneurysms or are not at risk for developing them may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a serious condition characterized by the enlargement of the abdominal aorta. The study explores a specific type of cell death known as ferroptosis, which is influenced by factors like smoking and genetic predispositions. By examining how ferroptosis contributes to VSMC depletion and AAA progression, the researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to new treatments for this life-threatening condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medical therapies that prevent or slow the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting cell death pathways can be effective in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach to AAA.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Yanhong — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Guo, Yanhong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the small regulator miR-146a affects abdominal aortic aneurysm
This project aims to see if boosting a natural genetic regulator called miR-146a can help slow or prevent growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms in people with this condition.
-
MOF’s role in weakening the aorta and stopping aneurysm growth
Scientists are studying how a molecule called MOF and inflammatory signals affect abdominal aortic aneurysms to find ways to slow or stop their enlargement.
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Endovascular Suturing Device to Improve Endograft Fixation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
A new device aims to better secure endografts during EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm to reduce future repairs.
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Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
A study exploring how fats in the blood (TRLs) influence the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms to find non-surgical ways to protect against rupture, especially in people aged 65 and older.
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Using genetics to uncover how abdominal aortic aneurysms develop
A research team will study how genetic differences influence abdominal aortic aneurysm to help with earlier prevention and better treatment.
-
Phospholipid-based nanotherapies to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm
A new nanoparticle treatment is being developed to slow or stop the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms in adults.
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.