Understanding how fat tissue around blood vessels affects aortic aneurysms
Official title: Browning of perivascular adipose tissue protects against thoracic aortic aneurysm
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11064805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the fat around blood vessels might affect the development of thoracic aortic aneurysms, a serious condition, and aims to find new ways to prevent or treat it, with the help of patients who can share tissue samples or participate in related studies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $527,606 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159871-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysms or those at high risk for developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with aortic aneurysms caused by clear genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. The study aims to explore how changes in the characteristics of PVAT can influence the health of the aorta and contribute to TAA formation. By examining the mechanisms behind these changes, researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic targets for preventing or treating TAA. Patients may be involved in providing tissue samples or participating in studies that assess the relationship between their adipose tissue and aortic health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for thoracic aortic aneurysms, potentially reducing the need for surgical interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of adipose tissue in cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yuqing Eugene — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yuqing Eugene
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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.