Investigating how stiffening of the aorta from elastin loss causes SVAS

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project studies SVAS, a condition where the aorta narrows due to elastin gene mutations, by looking at how mechanical changes affect smooth muscle cells in the aorta. Researchers will examine mechanosensitive channels like Piezo1/2 and their role in calcium signaling and nuclear regulation that may drive cell changes leading to narrowing. Using a targeted mouse model that mimics human elastin deficiency, the team will track how reduced aortic stiffness alters cell behavior and gene expression related to cell differentiation and proliferation. The goal is to uncover actionable mechanisms that could be targeted with future therapies to prevent or lessen SVAS in affected patients.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
  Salt Lake City, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Wagenseil, Jessica — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
• Study coordinator: Wagenseil, Jessica

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Risk prediction for aortic stenosis and how statins might help in adults 75 and older

  This grant seeks to identify which adults over 75 are at high risk for aortic valve disease and how statin therapy could influence that risk.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11429920

• AI-powered screening and monitoring for aortic stenosis in older adults

  A powerful new AI-based approach uses a simple heart rhythm test and a hand-held ultrasound to detect and monitor advanced aortic valve narrowing in people aged 65 and older.

  NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11395442

• Linking normal aortic valve blood flow patterns to risk of aortic valve narrowing

  This grant studies how normal differences in how the aortic valve moves and carries blood might influence who develops aortic stenosis.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11377950

• Chronic Kidney Disease and Aortic Valve Disease: Understanding How Kidney Disease Influences Aortic Stenosis

  This grant looks at how chronic kidney disease may affect the progression of aortic stenosis and whether we can find ways to slow it down for adults with kidney issues.

  NIH research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-11374552

• Advanced non-invasive imaging to understand aortic stenosis biology

  Aging adults with aortic stenosis may benefit from new imaging-based research to slow disease progression and reduce need for valve procedures.

  NIH research University of Virginia · Charlottesville, United States · NIH-11374488

• Blood protein patterns that track heart remodeling in aortic stenosis

  This project looks for blood protein signatures that show how the heart changes and recovers in people with aortic stenosis.

  NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-11257694

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.