Understanding how blood vessel cell damage contributes to serious aortic conditions
Official title: Endothelial Dysfunction in the Development of Aortic Degeneration, Dissection, and Rupture
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10848498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how damage to the cells in our blood vessels might lead to serious problems like aortic aneurysms and dissections, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how inflammation and cell health can affect the aorta, with hopes of finding better ways to treat and prevent these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $620,759 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159988-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of aortic diseases, such as aneurysms or dissections, particularly those who may have underlying endothelial dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any history of aortic diseases or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of endothelial dysfunction, or damage to the cells lining blood vessels, in the development of life-threatening conditions like aortic aneurysms and dissections. By analyzing samples from patients and using mouse models, the study aims to uncover how factors like inflammation and cell death contribute to these conditions. The researchers will explore specific cellular pathways and genetic factors that may lead to increased vulnerability of the aorta under stress. This could help identify new targets for treatment and prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating aortic diseases, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Ying H — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Shen, Ying H
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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.