Investigating how neuronal cilia affect high blood pressure

Neuronal Cilia in Hypertension

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-11049650

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11049650 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with hypertension that is well-controlled by existing therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for patients with resistant hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: 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

Iowa City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.