Understanding how blood flow affects the development of coronary arteries
Official title: Effect of shear stress on coronary smooth muscle maturation
Funded at University of Portland · NIH-10580556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Portland NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $394,183 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL167279-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with congenital coronary artery anomalies or related cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed coronary arteries and no history of congenital heart defects may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Portland
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dyer, Laura Ann — University of Portland
- Study coordinator: Dyer, Laura Ann
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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.