Understanding Blood Vessel Damage in Aortic Weakness and Tears
Official title: Endothelial Dysfunction in the Development of Aortic Degeneration, Dissection, and Rupture
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11115607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how damage to the inner lining of blood vessels contributes to serious conditions like aortic aneurysms and dissections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $633,427 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159988-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is not recruiting patients directly but aims to benefit individuals at risk for or suffering from ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without aortic diseases or those with conditions unrelated to endothelial dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We are looking into why the aorta, the body's main artery, can weaken and tear, which are very dangerous conditions. Our early findings suggest that injury to the endothelial cells, which form the inner lining of blood vessels, plays a key role in this process. We are using advanced techniques, including studying human aortic samples and animal models, to understand how these cells get damaged and how this damage leads to the aorta becoming fragile. By uncovering the specific pathways involved, we hope to find new ways to protect the aorta.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat life-threatening aortic aneurysms and dissections by targeting the underlying cell damage.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of endothelial dysfunction in these specific aortic diseases has received limited attention, our preliminary studies show compelling evidence for its critical role.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Ying H. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Shen, Ying H.
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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.