Investigating how mutations in KRAS contribute to brain blood vessel malformations
Official title: Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in mutant KRAS-induced brain as a cause of arteriovenous malformations
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11011422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in brain cells might cause abnormal blood vessel connections in the brain, which can lead to serious issues like bleeding, and it's for anyone interested in finding new ways to treat these conditions beyond just surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $460,023 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135153-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with brain arteriovenous malformations, particularly those with a known KRAS mutation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain arteriovenous malformations or those whose conditions are unrelated to KRAS mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), which are abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain that can lead to severe complications like bleeding. The study explores the role of KRAS mutations in endothelial cells, which are crucial for blood vessel formation, and how these mutations may trigger a process called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). By using a novel animal model that mimics human bAVMs, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind these malformations and identify potential new treatment strategies beyond surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new pharmacological treatments for patients with brain arteriovenous malformations, reducing reliance on risky surgical interventions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting KRAS mutations in bAVMs is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding other vascular malformations and their underlying mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Eunhee — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Kim, Eunhee
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.