Investigating how protein quality control affects the formation of aortic aneurysms
Official title: Vascular Smooth Muscle Protein Quality Control and Aortic Aneurysm Formation
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11077340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your blood vessels and their ability to handle proteins might play a role in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $599,065 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170024-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly those with a family history or other risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have abdominal aortic aneurysms or related vascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and their protein quality control mechanisms in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The study aims to explore how the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), which is responsible for degrading misfolded proteins, may contribute to the degeneration of VSMCs and the progression of AAA. By analyzing human AAA tissues and utilizing mouse models, the researchers will investigate the relationship between UPS dysfunction and AAA formation, potentially leading to new insights into treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new pharmaceutical treatments to prevent the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of UPS in other degenerative conditions has been studied, the specific implications for abdominal aortic aneurysms are novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Xiaochun — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Long, Xiaochun
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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.