Targeted treatments to slow or prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
Targeted approach to the mitigation of abdominal aortic aneurysm
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11295470
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
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11295470 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GUO, LIANWANG — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: GUO, LIANWANG
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 below.