Understanding how aging affects blood vessel stiffness and high blood pressure
Official title: Investigation into Arterial Stiffness and Hypertension
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10678777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects blood vessel stiffness and high blood pressure, focusing on a gene called KDM6A that might help keep your blood vessels flexible, with the goal of finding ways to improve heart health for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $559,327 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL154147-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10678777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing hypertension or related cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are young and do not have hypertension or arterial stiffness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between arterial stiffness and hypertension, particularly as it relates to aging. The study focuses on a specific gene, KDM6A, which may play a crucial role in how blood vessels maintain their elasticity. By examining vascular smooth muscle cells, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to increased arterial stiffness and hypertension in older adults. The research employs advanced methodologies to explore these connections and seeks to identify potential interventions for improving vascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for reducing arterial stiffness and managing hypertension in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding arterial stiffness and its implications for cardiovascular health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Zhongjie — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sun, Zhongjie
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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.