Understanding how salt affects blood pressure through brain mechanisms
Official title: Neural Mechanisms of Hypertension
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11144121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating too much salt can raise blood pressure and cause heart problems, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how our brains help control blood pressure when we consume salty foods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $443,301 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL122770-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hypertension, particularly those whose condition may be influenced by dietary salt intake.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hypertension not related to salt intake or those with secondary hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that contribute to salt-induced hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study aims to uncover how high salt intake activates specific receptors in the brain that influence blood pressure regulation. Using mouse models, researchers will explore the pathways involved in this process, focusing on the role of the brain's renin-angiotensin system and its interaction with sodium channels. By understanding these mechanisms, the research hopes to identify new targets for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for managing hypertension and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the role of neural mechanisms in hypertension, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng Earley, Yumei — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Feng Earley, Yumei
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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.