Investigating how podosomes affect blood vessel health and brain aneurysms
Official title: The Role of Podosomes in Cerebrovascular Integrity and Intracranial Aneurysm
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11004713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny structures in brain cells that help keep blood vessels strong, especially in people at risk for brain aneurysms, to see how changes in blood flow might affect them and to find new ways to treat or prevent these aneurysms without 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 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $350,997 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126664-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of developing intracranial aneurysms or those who have been diagnosed with them.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already experienced a ruptured aneurysm and are beyond the acute treatment phase may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of podosomes, which are small structures in cells, in maintaining the integrity of blood vessels in the brain and their connection to intracranial aneurysms. The study aims to explore how high wall shear stress, a condition caused by blood flow, influences the formation of podosomes in endothelial cells. By using animal models, the researchers will investigate the cellular mechanisms that lead to aneurysm development and rupture. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to non-invasive treatments for patients at risk of aneurysms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-invasive treatments that prevent the rupture of brain aneurysms, potentially saving lives and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of podosomes in aneurysm development is being explored for the first time, previous studies have shown that understanding cellular mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Zhen — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Xu, Zhen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how brain aneurysm walls and shape change over time
This project studies how small brain aneurysms grow and whether MRI features of the aneurysm wall and its shape can predict growth so doctors can better decide when treatment is needed.
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Predicting brain aneurysm growth with advanced 4D MRI and tensor math
A research project uses 4D flow MRI and new math models to predict how brain aneurysms grow over time, helping doctors decide on safer treatments for people with UIAs.
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How aging and aged (senescent) cells may cause brain aneurysm rupture
This research tests whether removing aging 'senescent' cells can lower the chance that a brain aneurysm will burst for people with intracranial aneurysms.
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Reprogramming blood-vessel lining cells in inherited brain aneurysms
This project aims to find out whether fixing gene-related changes in the cells that line brain arteries can lower aneurysm risk in people with a family history.
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How tiny cell structures (podosomes) may weaken brain arteries and cause aneurysms
Testing whether podosomes — small structures inside blood vessel cells — make brain arteries weaker and raise the risk of aneurysm rupture for people with or at risk of brain aneurysms.
-
How cells' cleanup of vessel attachments may affect brain aneurysms
This project looks at whether a cellular cleanup process in blood‑vessel lining cells weakens brain arteries and contributes to aneurysms in people at risk for intracranial aneurysm.
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.