Understanding how blood flow affects the development of coronary arteries

Effect of shear stress on coronary smooth muscle maturation

NIH-funded research University of Portland · NIH-10580556

This study is looking at how blood flow affects the growth of coronary arteries in chick embryos, specifically how it influences the movement and development of certain cells, and it aims to help us understand how blood flow helps shape healthy arteries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Portland NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10580556 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the flow of blood, which creates shear stress, influences the development of coronary arteries. It focuses on the early stages of coronary artery formation in chick embryos, examining how shear stress affects smooth muscle cells' migration and maturation. The study will utilize in ovo injections to manipulate specific enzymes involved in this process, allowing researchers to observe changes in smooth muscle behavior in response to varying levels of shear stress. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover the regulatory roles of blood flow in coronary artery development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with congenital coronary artery anomalies or related cardiovascular conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with fully developed coronary arteries and no history of congenital heart defects may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of coronary artery formation, potentially informing treatments for coronary artery anomalies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific regulatory role of shear stress in coronary artery development is not well-studied, related research has shown that fluid dynamics significantly influence vascular development in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Portland, 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 2026-06-13 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.