Investigating how sleep apnea affects blood vessel health and aging
Official title: p16 Cellular Senescence and Vascular Dysfunction in Sleep Apnea
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11319450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $749,508 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL169266-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obstructive sleep apnea or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cortese, Rene Gabriel — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cortese, Rene Gabriel
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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.