Investigating how protein quality control affects the formation of aortic aneurysms

Vascular Smooth Muscle Protein Quality Control and Aortic Aneurysm Formation

['FUNDING_R01'] · AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11077340

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorAUGUSTA UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11077340 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly those with a family history or other risk factors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have abdominal aortic aneurysms or related vascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.