Understanding a Protein's Role in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
BAF60c and abdominal aortic aneurysm
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 ID | NIH-11112304 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this early-stage research.
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 performed: 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
Ann Arbor, United States
- 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
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.