Understanding Brain AVMs

BMP and Notch crosstalk in cerebral arteriovenous malformations

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11093372

This research aims to understand how certain signals in brain cells go wrong, leading to a condition called cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093372 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Cerebral AVMs are abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain that can cause serious strokes. We know that special cells called endothelial cells play a key role in these malformations. This project explores how two important cell signals, BMP and Notch, interact incorrectly and cause these endothelial cells to change in a harmful way, leading to AVMs. We are also looking into whether blocking a specific protein, HDAC2, can prevent these cell changes and improve AVMs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant to patients, including children, who are affected by cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

Not a fit: Patients without cerebral arteriovenous malformations would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat cerebral AVMs by targeting the specific cell changes that cause them.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have highlighted the importance of endothelial cells and signaling pathways in AVMs, this project explores a novel mechanism involving HDAC2 and its inhibition.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.