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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $718,770 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL176683-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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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.