Investigating how sodium channels in blood vessel cells affect artery stiffness
Official title: Epithelial sodium channels in endothelial cells and arterial stiffening
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11061073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain channels in blood vessel cells might make arteries stiffer, especially in people who are obese, and it aims to find ways to improve heart health by understanding how these changes happen and how we might be able to fix them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $453,028 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172875-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are obese individuals who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases due to arterial stiffness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of epithelial sodium channels in endothelial cells and their contribution to arterial stiffness, particularly in obese individuals. It focuses on how elevated levels of aldosterone and the activation of mineralocorticoid receptors in these cells lead to increased stiffness of blood vessels. The study employs advanced biochemical techniques to understand the signaling pathways involved and how manipulating these pathways could prevent or reduce arterial stiffening. By examining the interactions between endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving cardiovascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce arterial stiffness and improve cardiovascular health in obese patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of arterial stiffness, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Guanghong — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Jia, Guanghong
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.