Understanding changes in brain arteries during the growth of aneurysms
Official title: Investigation of arterial changes in the Circle of Willis during intracranial aneurysm growth in humans
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10864056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain blood vessels in the brain change when aneurysms grow, to help doctors better understand the risks of these aneurysms bursting and improve treatment for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $617,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL152270-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with intracranial aneurysms, particularly those who are asymptomatic but at risk of growth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without intracranial aneurysms or those with other unrelated vascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the arteries in the Circle of Willis, a critical area in the brain, change as intracranial aneurysms grow. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify specific vascular changes that could indicate the risk of aneurysm rupture. The research focuses on understanding the biochemical processes involved in aneurysm growth and how blood flow dynamics affect these processes. Patients may be monitored to better predict aneurysm progression and improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment options for patients with intracranial aneurysms, potentially reducing the risk of rupture.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vascular changes related to aneurysm growth, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chien, Aichi — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Chien, Aichi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how brain aneurysm walls and shape change over time
This project studies how small brain aneurysms grow and whether MRI features of the aneurysm wall and its shape can predict growth so doctors can better decide when treatment is needed.
-
Predicting brain aneurysm growth with advanced 4D MRI and tensor math
A research project uses 4D flow MRI and new math models to predict how brain aneurysms grow over time, helping doctors decide on safer treatments for people with UIAs.
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How aging and aged (senescent) cells may cause brain aneurysm rupture
This research tests whether removing aging 'senescent' cells can lower the chance that a brain aneurysm will burst for people with intracranial aneurysms.
-
Reprogramming blood-vessel lining cells in inherited brain aneurysms
This project aims to find out whether fixing gene-related changes in the cells that line brain arteries can lower aneurysm risk in people with a family history.
-
How tiny cell structures (podosomes) may weaken brain arteries and cause aneurysms
Testing whether podosomes — small structures inside blood vessel cells — make brain arteries weaker and raise the risk of aneurysm rupture for people with or at risk of brain aneurysms.
-
How cells' cleanup of vessel attachments may affect brain aneurysms
This project looks at whether a cellular cleanup process in blood‑vessel lining cells weakens brain arteries and contributes to aneurysms in people at risk for intracranial aneurysm.
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.