Understanding how certain cells contribute to blood vessel changes in children with pulmonary hypertension
Official title: Exploiting neointimal and vascular smooth muscle cell heterogeneity to reveal mechanisms driving venous neointimal growth and vascular remodeling in pediatric pulmonary hypertension
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11084367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in blood vessel cells might cause blockages in the veins of children with pulmonary hypertension, with the hope that understanding these changes will help create better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $165,231 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL173632-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with pediatric pulmonary hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary hypertension due to causes unrelated to venous remodeling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the growth of obstructive lesions in the veins of children suffering from pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PPH). It focuses on the differences in vascular smooth muscle cells and how these variations may influence the development of neointimal lesions. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and biocomputational analysis, the study aims to uncover the molecular controls that drive these changes. This knowledge could lead to better-targeted therapies for managing PPH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target the growth of harmful lesions in the veins of children with pulmonary hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: While research on arterial disease is more common, this study explores a relatively novel area concerning venous changes in pulmonary hypertension, indicating a unique approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steffes, Lea — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Steffes, Lea
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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.