NIH-funded research R01 grant

Sexual differences in thoracic aortic aneurysm biology

Official title: Sexually Dimorphic Mechanisms in Human Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11406202 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study to understand why men and women experience thoracic aortic aneurysms differently, with a focus on human tissue and biology.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project startSeptember 5, 2025
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$718,770
NIH project number5R01HL176683-02
Project IDNIH-11406202 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection, particularly those undergoing analysis of tissue samples.

Less likely to help

People without TAAD or without access to tissue studies may not directly benefit.

What this research studies

This project looks at human thoracic aortic tissue to understand why men and women have different disease progress. Researchers will map where specific cells and molecules sit in the tissue and test how sex-related signals may drive changes in the aorta. They will use high-resolution spatial profiling to pinpoint cell types and pathways that differ by sex and relate these findings to how the aorta remodels and stiffens. The results could reveal targets to explain or treat these gender differences in TAAs. The work is centered on human tissue and aims to translate observations into better care for patients with TAAD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could uncover why TAAD progresses differently between sexes and point to new approaches to prevent or treat aortic disease in both men and women.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research using spatial profiling in human vascular disease has shown meaningful insights; this project applies similar methods to TAAD with a focus on sex differences.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
    Ann Arbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mizrak, Dogukan — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
  • Study coordinator: Mizrak, Dogukan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.