NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how aging affects blood vessel function

Official title: Identification of Molecular Features Associated with Vascular Alterations in Aging

Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11038207 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our blood vessels change as we get older, which can lead to health issues, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how aging affects our vascular health and what new treatments might help.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project startJanuary 1, 2025
Project endDecember 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$431,750
NIH project number1R21AG091016-01
Project IDNIH-11038207 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing vascular-related health issues or chronic diseases associated with aging.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger and do not have any vascular dysfunction or age-related diseases may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the molecular changes in blood vessels that occur as people age, which can lead to various chronic diseases. By examining the behavior of endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, the team aims to identify specific markers and ligands that can help in understanding age-related vascular dysfunction. The study employs innovative techniques, including in vivo phage display, to isolate and characterize these molecular features in both young and aged mice. This approach could provide insights into how aging impacts vascular health and contribute to the development of targeted therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related vascular diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying molecular features related to aging and vascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pasqualini, Renata — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Pasqualini, Renata

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.