Understanding how nerve cells and blood vessel cells work together in the body
Official title: Defining the cellular and molecular formation of the sympathetic neurovascular unit
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10997389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of cells in our blood vessels work together to control blood flow and metabolism, using zebrafish to learn more about these processes, which could help find new ways to treat heart and blood vessel problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $692,519 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170949-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiovascular conditions or abnormalities in heart development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated health issues or those over 21 years old may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and sympathetic neurons within arteries. By using advanced imaging techniques in zebrafish, the study aims to uncover the cellular and genetic mechanisms that govern the formation of these neurovascular units. The goal is to better understand how these cells coordinate to regulate vital functions like blood flow and metabolism, which could lead to new strategies for treating cardiovascular diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to improve vascular function and address related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by improving our understanding of vascular function.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding vascular interactions, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill significant knowledge gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicoli, Stefania — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Nicoli, Stefania
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.