Tiny brain sensors (neuron cilia) and high blood pressure
Neuronal Cilia in Hypertension
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11247980
This project will see if tiny hair-like sensors on brain cells contribute to high blood pressure, especially in adults whose blood pressure is hard to control.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247980 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are focusing on primary cilia — tiny antennae on neurons — to understand how they affect blood pressure, thirst, and fluid balance. They will use laboratory and animal experiments to remove or alter these cilia in a key brain area (the supraoptic nucleus) and monitor blood pressure, sympathetic nerve activity, and body fluid changes. The team will also examine how angiotensin II signaling through the AT1a receptor interacts with cilia function. Results are intended to reveal biological steps that may underlie resistant hypertension.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with high blood pressure, particularly those whose hypertension remains uncontrolled on current medications, are the group most likely to benefit from this line of research.
Not a fit: People without hypertension or those whose blood pressure is already well controlled are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets that lead to treatments for people with resistant or hard-to-control hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies, including findings of altered cilia in hypertensive animals, suggest this approach is promising, but it remains largely untested in human studies.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAHMOUNI, KAMAL — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: RAHMOUNI, KAMAL
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.