Investigating how estrogen receptors in smooth muscle cells affect arterial stiffness as we age
Official title: The Role of Smooth Muscle Cell Estrogen Receptor Alpha in Aging-Associated Arterial Stiffness
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-10995879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called estrogen affects blood vessel health in older women, especially how it might relate to stiff arteries and heart disease after menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL176055-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are post-menopausal women and older adults experiencing arterial stiffness or related cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are pre-menopausal or do not have any signs of arterial stiffness or cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of estrogen receptor alpha in smooth muscle cells and how it contributes to arterial stiffness, particularly in aging women. The study aims to explore the relationship between estrogen levels, receptor activity, and the expression of a specific receptor that protects blood vessels. By examining these connections, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that may lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk in post-menopausal women. The approach includes laboratory experiments and analysis of vascular health indicators to assess the impact of these biological factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases in aging women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding estrogen's role in vascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turner, Casey Gail — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Turner, Casey Gail
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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.