Targeted treatments to slow or prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
Official title: Targeted approach to the mitigation of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11295470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looks at whether blocking a protein called BRD4 in artery muscle cells and delivering therapy directly to the aorta can slow or prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $695,082 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172888-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm (especially small-to-moderate size) or those at high risk for AAA would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated conditions or those already requiring urgent surgical repair for a large or ruptured aneurysm would likely not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called BRD4 that appears higher in the muscle cells of the aorta in aneurysm tissue and may drive inflammation that weakens the vessel. Researchers will use lab-grown smooth muscle cells, human aneurysm tissue samples, and mouse models to see how BRD4 changes gene activity and promotes degeneration. They will map chromatin changes using ATAC-seq and test targeted ways to deliver BRD4-blocking treatments to the aneurysm area in animals. The work aims to identify specific molecular targets and delivery methods that could lead to future patient trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to targeted therapies that slow aneurysm growth and reduce the risk of rupture.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical mouse studies, including work from this group, showed that broadly blocking BRD proteins can reduce AAA in animals, but BRD4-specific targeting and human testing remain novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Lianwang — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Guo, Lianwang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the small regulator miR-146a affects abdominal aortic aneurysm
This project aims to see if boosting a natural genetic regulator called miR-146a can help slow or prevent growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms in people with this condition.
-
MOF’s role in weakening the aorta and stopping aneurysm growth
Scientists are studying how a molecule called MOF and inflammatory signals affect abdominal aortic aneurysms to find ways to slow or stop their enlargement.
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Endovascular Suturing Device to Improve Endograft Fixation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
A new device aims to better secure endografts during EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm to reduce future repairs.
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Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
A study exploring how fats in the blood (TRLs) influence the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms to find non-surgical ways to protect against rupture, especially in people aged 65 and older.
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Using genetics to uncover how abdominal aortic aneurysms develop
A research team will study how genetic differences influence abdominal aortic aneurysm to help with earlier prevention and better treatment.
-
Phospholipid-based nanotherapies to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm
A new nanoparticle treatment is being developed to slow or stop the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms in adults.
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.