Investigating how sleep apnea affects blood vessel health and aging

p16 Cellular Senescence and Vascular Dysfunction in Sleep Apnea

NIH-funded research University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11319450

This study is looking at how obstructive sleep apnea affects your blood vessels and might make them age faster, while also checking out a protein called p16 that’s connected to this process, so if you have sleep apnea, your participation could help us understand how it impacts your heart health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11319450 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on blood vessel health and how it may accelerate biological aging. The study aims to explore the role of a specific protein, p16, which is linked to cellular aging and dysfunction in blood vessels. By examining the effects of intermittent hypoxia caused by OSA, the researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms behind vascular senescence and its implications for cardiovascular health. Patients may be involved in assessments that help identify the relationship between sleep apnea and vascular aging.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients without obstructive sleep apnea or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve vascular health and reduce cardiovascular risks for patients with sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cellular senescence to improve health outcomes, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Kansas City, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.