Targeting the Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Blood Vessel Cells to Fight Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Women
Official title: Targeting Endothelial Cell Mineralocorticoid Receptor Against Aortic Aneurysm in Females
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11364929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a potential treatment strategy that targets a hormone receptor in blood vessels to slow or prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm in women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $707,472 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163589-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women at risk for or diagnosed with AAA, particularly those with risk factors such as aging, smoking history, or hormonal influences.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AAA risk factors or existing vascular disease may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous condition with no approved drug therapy, and women tend to have more aggressive disease. This project looks at how the mineralocorticoid receptor in endothelial cells may drive AAA in the context of aging, sex differences, and risk factors like smoking. Using an older-mice AAA model that involves aldosterone and salt, the study aims to understand why females respond differently and how to potentially block this pathway. The work combines animal experiments and mechanistic studies to identify targets that could lead to future treatments for women at risk of AAA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could inform new drug approaches to prevent or slow AAA in women, potentially reducing rupture risk and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal model work has provided mechanistic insights; this project seeks to translate those findings toward human relevance, offering potential for future therapeutic development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Zhenheng — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Guo, Zhenheng
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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.