Sphingosine kinase 1 may influence artery tightness in Beuren syndrome
Official title: Sphingosine kinase 1 plays a key role in defective elastin-induced arterial hypermuscularization
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11374578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing overview of a study exploring how a fat- and lipid-breaking enzyme might affect artery stiffness and blood flow in Beuren syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL171838-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Beuren syndrome or related elastin-related artery problems may indirectly benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
The study is basic in nature and may not immediately translate to new treatments for all patients.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a specific enzyme, Sphingosine kinase 1, could be involved in abnormal thickening of the artery walls seen in Beuren syndrome. Researchers will study how elastin defects in the arteries interact with this enzyme to influence smooth muscle growth after birth, with an eye toward potential therapies for related heart problems. The work combines lab studies of human artery biology with insights from animal models to understand the disease process and identify points where treatment could help. If successful, findings could guide future approaches to prevent or treat artery narrowing in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new ways to prevent or reduce artery narrowing in Beuren syndrome and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked elastin defects to artery problems; this project is exploring a specific enzyme as a new angle, which is promising but still early.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saito, Junichi — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Saito, Junichi
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.