Modeling a second genetic hit in HHT to uncover why blood vessels leak and how to stop it
Official title: Modeling second hit somatic mutations in HHT to uncover mechanisms of vascular pathologies and assess therapeutic strategies.
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11426177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand why hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia causes dangerous blood vessel problems and to identify potential therapies for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $565,442 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL187693-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11426177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) or those with ACVRL1/ALK1-related mutations may benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HHT or without the relevant genetic mutations may not directly benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
This project studies a genetic vascular disease called HHT, focusing on how a second somatic mutation may worsen blood vessel malformations. Researchers will use mouse models that mimic LOH (loss of heterozygosity) in key genes like ACVRL1/ALK1 to observe how AVMs and vessel leakage develop. They will explore the molecular pathways involved in vessel integrity and test possible therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse these defects. The goal is to translate these findings into targeted treatments that could reduce bleeding, anemia, and stroke risk for patients with HHT.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that stabilize blood vessels and reduce bleeding and related complications in people with HHT.
How similar studies have gone: Prior models have begun to clarify LOH contributions, but this project aims to more accurately reproduce LOH conditions to identify viable therapeutic targets.
Where this research is happening
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Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meadows, Stryder Medoah — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Meadows, Stryder Medoah
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.