Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Cell Health
Renewal: Pannexin-1 signaling in abdominal aortic aneurysms
This research explores how cell health and inflammation contribute to abdominal aortic aneurysms, aiming to find new ways to prevent this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109501 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a serious health concern where the main artery in the abdomen weakens and bulges, which can lead to life-threatening rupture. Currently, there are no medical treatments available to stop or reverse AAA progression. This project focuses on understanding how certain cell processes, like cell death and inflammation, contribute to the development of AAA. We are particularly interested in how the body clears away dead cells and how a specific protein, pannexin-1, might be involved in this process, hoping to uncover new targets for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms who are interested in understanding the underlying causes of their condition and the future potential for new therapies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of the first medical treatments to prevent or slow the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall approach to finding medical treatments for AAA is novel, previous work by this team has shown a critical role for pannexin-1 in aortic inflammation and aneurysm formation.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Upchurch, Gilbert Rivers — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Upchurch, Gilbert Rivers
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.