Investigating how podosomes affect blood vessel health and brain aneurysms
The Role of Podosomes in Cerebrovascular Integrity and Intracranial Aneurysm
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 ID | NIH-11004713 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of developing intracranial aneurysms or those who have been diagnosed with them.
Not a fit: Patients who have already experienced a ruptured aneurysm and are beyond the acute treatment phase may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Houston, United States
- 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
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 below.