Targeting a specific cellular process to treat brain blood vessel malformations
Official title: EndMT as a target to treat human brain arteriovenous malformations
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10871147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a type of brain problem called arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) that can cause serious issues, and it's trying to understand how certain gene changes might make these problems worse, with the hope of finding new treatments to help patients feel better and avoid risky surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS137102-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with brain arteriovenous malformations, particularly those with KRAS mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain arteriovenous malformations or those whose conditions are unrelated to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), which are abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain that can lead to severe complications like bleeding. The study focuses on a cellular process called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which has been found to play a significant role in the development of bAVMs. By analyzing human samples and using a mouse model, researchers aim to understand how mutations in the KRAS gene contribute to the severity of these malformations. The goal is to identify potential pharmacologic treatments that could improve patient outcomes and reduce the risks associated with current surgical options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new drug therapies for patients with brain arteriovenous malformations, reducing the need for risky surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting EndMT in bAVMs is relatively novel, similar strategies in other vascular conditions have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Eunhee — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Kim, Eunhee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core to support Cancer Control efforts
This grant funds a team that helps coordinate, communicate, and engage with communities to advance cancer control efforts.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core for Cancer Control
A core team will coordinate administration, communications, and community engagement to support cancer control efforts across several Texas institutions.
-
Understanding how neural crest cells shape the bones of the skull
A researcher will study how signals control the skull’s sutures, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of conditions like craniosynostosis.
-
Alzheimer’s disease and related brain changes linked to chemicals in the body
This NIH grant supports a patient-centered effort to map how environmental exposures and body chemistry relate to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding how everyday exposures affect Alzheimer's disease progression
A national research effort is studying how environmental exposures, gut health, diet, and metabolism relate to Alzheimer's and related dementias to identify new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
-
How environment, gut health, and metabolism affect Alzheimer’s disease
This grant looks at how environmental exposures, gut microbes, diet, and metabolism influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.