Understanding how protein quality control affects abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
Official title: Vascular Smooth Muscle Protein Quality Control and Aortic Aneurysm Formation
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11318959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the cell’s protein-cleanup system may drive or protect against abdominal aortic aneurysm, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $652,316 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170024-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11318959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm who may provide tissue samples or participate in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without AAA or who are not involved in tissue-procurement or related studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why the protective protein cleanup system in vascular smooth muscle cells might fail in AAA and contribute to disease. Using human AAA tissue and a mouse model, scientists will map how the ubiquitin-proteasome system influences smooth muscle cell health and aneurysm formation. They will test whether boosting the proteasome’s ability to handle misfolded proteins can reduce cell damage and slow AAA progression. The work builds on prior findings that links between UPS function and AAA exist, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets. The research combines tissue analysis, animal studies, and cellular experiments to translate basic biology into potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal new drug targets to prevent AAA growth and reduce rupture risk.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies have linked UPS function to vascular disease, suggesting potential for translational impact, with further validation needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Xiaochun — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Long, Xiaochun
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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.