Understanding a Protein's Role in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Official title: BAF60c and abdominal aortic aneurysm
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11112304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks into a specific protein called BAF60c to better understand how abdominal aortic aneurysms develop, hoping to find new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $543,752 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL153710-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals at risk for or living with abdominal aortic aneurysms in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this early-stage research.
What this research studies
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a serious condition where the main artery in your belly weakens and can rupture, and we currently lack effective drug treatments. This project aims to uncover the tiny, hidden processes within our cells that cause AAA to start and get worse. We are focusing on a specific group of proteins called BAF60, which seem to play a role in how blood vessel cells behave and how AAA develops. By understanding how these proteins work, especially BAF60c, we hope to discover new ways to create medications that can stop or slow down AAA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new drug therapies to prevent or treat abdominal aortic aneurysms, offering a much-needed alternative to current options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous experimental work with a related protein, BAF60a, has shown promising results in preventing AAA in models, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
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University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jifeng — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jifeng
Related research
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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.