Investigating how neuronal cilia affect high blood pressure
Official title: Neuronal Cilia in Hypertension
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11049650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny structures in nerve cells, called primary cilia, help control blood pressure and fluid balance, especially for people with high blood pressure, to find out why some treatments don’t work for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $717,236 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL172944-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who suffer from hypertension, particularly those who have not responded well to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hypertension that is well-controlled by existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of neuronal primary cilia in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, particularly in individuals with hypertension. The researchers will explore how these cilia act as sensors for external signals and how their dysfunction may contribute to hypertension and related health issues. By studying animal models, they aim to uncover the mechanisms by which cilia influence blood pressure regulation through specific signaling pathways. This could lead to new insights into why some patients do not respond to existing hypertension treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for patients with resistant hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of cilia in various physiological processes is known, this specific investigation into their role in hypertension is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahmouni, Kamal — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Rahmouni, Kamal
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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.