Investigating the role of connexin hemichannels in blood vessel function
Official title: Connexin hemichannels: an unexplored critical component in endothelium of resistance arteries
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11046978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny channels in blood vessel cells help control blood pressure and blood flow, which could lead to new treatments for people with blood vessel problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $641,816 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173018-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing issues related to blood pressure regulation or vascular disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable blood pressure and no history of vascular disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how connexin hemichannels contribute to the regulation of blood pressure in small resistance arteries. It examines the mechanisms by which endothelial cells control blood vessel function through the production of vasodilators and the role of calcium in these processes. By exploring the interactions between various signaling pathways and hemichannels, the research aims to uncover new insights into blood flow regulation and potential therapeutic targets for blood vessel disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions related to blood pressure regulation and vascular health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of endothelial signaling in blood pressure regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lillo Gallardo, Mauricio Alejandro — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lillo Gallardo, Mauricio Alejandro
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.