Investigating how mechanical signals affect abdominal aortic aneurysms
Official title: Targeting Biomechanical Signaling in AAA
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11063132 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain molecules can help us understand and treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) better, with the goal of finding new ways to slow down or stop the growth of this condition that affects many people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006414-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063132 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly those with small aneurysms who may benefit from new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have abdominal aortic aneurysms or those with advanced AAA requiring immediate surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a condition affecting about 8% of Americans, which can lead to high mortality rates if ruptured. The study aims to develop a platform that incorporates patient-specific mechanical stress factors to improve treatment decisions for AAA. By exploring the effects of two signaling molecules, AT1R and SGK-1, the research seeks to understand their roles in AAA growth and potential therapeutic interventions. Pre-clinical experiments have shown promise in inhibiting AAA growth using specific blockers, which could lead to better management of this condition in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medical therapies that significantly reduce the growth and rupture rates of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting similar mechanical signaling pathways in pre-clinical models, suggesting a promising avenue for clinical application.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruddy, Jean Marie — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ruddy, Jean Marie
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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.