Investigating the role of a specific microRNA in abdominal aortic aneurysm
Official title: Role of miR-146a in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11001154 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tiny molecule called microRNA-146a affects the health of the abdominal aorta, especially for people at risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms, to see if it could help create new non-surgical treatments to keep their aorta strong and prevent serious problems.
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 | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,204 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL156957-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001154 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysms or those at high risk for developing them.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without abdominal aortic aneurysms or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how microRNA-146a influences the health of the abdominal aorta, particularly in the context of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which this microRNA affects vascular smooth muscle cells, which are crucial for maintaining the aorta's structure and function. By using advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing and in-situ hybridization, researchers will investigate the potential of miR-146a as a therapeutic target to prevent the progression and rupture of AAAs. This could lead to the development of new non-surgical treatment options for patients at risk of AAA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly reduce the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm progression and rupture.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting microRNAs for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramanian, Venkateswaran — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Subramanian, Venkateswaran
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the small regulator miR-146a affects abdominal aortic aneurysm
This project aims to see if boosting a natural genetic regulator called miR-146a can help slow or prevent growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms in people with this condition.
-
MOF’s role in weakening the aorta and stopping aneurysm growth
Scientists are studying how a molecule called MOF and inflammatory signals affect abdominal aortic aneurysms to find ways to slow or stop their enlargement.
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Endovascular Suturing Device to Improve Endograft Fixation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
A new device aims to better secure endografts during EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm to reduce future repairs.
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Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
A study exploring how fats in the blood (TRLs) influence the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms to find non-surgical ways to protect against rupture, especially in people aged 65 and older.
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Using genetics to uncover how abdominal aortic aneurysms develop
A research team will study how genetic differences influence abdominal aortic aneurysm to help with earlier prevention and better treatment.
-
Phospholipid-based nanotherapies to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm
A new nanoparticle treatment is being developed to slow or stop the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms in adults.
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.