Investigating how olfactory receptors affect blood pressure regulation
Official title: Olfactory Receptor 558 (OLFR558) Ligands and Blood Pressure Regulation
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11010766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific smell receptor in the body, called OLFR558, affects blood pressure differently in men and women, and it aims to find out what natural substances activate this receptor to help us better understand blood pressure control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $622,180 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137762-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with hypertension or those interested in understanding blood pressure regulation, especially premenopausal females.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with blood pressure regulation or those who are not premenopausal females may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the olfactory receptor OLFR558 in regulating blood pressure, particularly focusing on how it differs between sexes. The study aims to identify the natural ligands that activate OLFR558 and understand their effects on blood pressure in both male and female mice. By examining these ligands, researchers hope to clarify how OLFR558 contributes to blood pressure homeostasis and the physiological differences observed between genders. This could lead to new insights into blood pressure regulation mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for managing blood pressure, particularly for individuals affected by hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of olfactory receptors in physiological processes, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pluznick, Jennifer L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Pluznick, Jennifer L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Actions to Decrease Disparities in Blood Pressure Control for Blacks
Aiming to help Black patients manage high blood pressure by using nurses, community health workers, and home monitoring in real-world clinics.
-
Cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for insomnia phenotypes with high blood pressure
A clinical study tests how CBT-I and the sleep drug trazodone work for adults with insomnia and high blood pressure, focusing on a specific sleep duration pattern.
-
Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
-
Non-invasive, continuous blood pressure monitoring for prenatal maternal health
A wearable device from PyrAmes uses comfortable, non-invasive sensors and smart software to constantly monitor a pregnant person’s blood pressure and heart health so doctors can protect both mom and baby.
-
Smartphone app helps pregnant women in Ghana monitor blood pressure at home
A smartphone app is being customized for pregnant women in Ghana to support home blood pressure monitoring and improve safety during pregnancy.
-
Nap duration during night shifts and blood pressure health
A Phase II study will test how long night shift naps should be to restore normal blood pressure patterns and maintain safe performance, while considering caffeine use, for night workers.
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.