Understanding how thrombospondin-1 helps prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture
Official title: Novel Role of Thrombospondin-1 in Protection against Rupture of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10823253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called thrombospondin-1 helps protect against the dangerous bursting of abdominal aortic aneurysms, which can be life-threatening, and it aims to find out how certain immune cells are involved in this process, with hopes of discovering new ways to prevent aneurysm ruptures in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $491,881 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL158073-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly those with a history of cardiovascular disease or genetic predispositions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have abdominal aortic aneurysms or related vascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) in protecting against the rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify how specific immune cells, particularly macrophages, contribute to the levels of TSP1 in the aorta. The researchers will create genetically modified mice to observe the effects of TSP1 deletion on aneurysm development and rupture, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of AAA. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent aneurysm rupture in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, improving patient survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of thrombospondin-1 in vascular conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Bo — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Liu, Bo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the small regulator miR-146a affects abdominal aortic aneurysm
This project aims to see if boosting a natural genetic regulator called miR-146a can help slow or prevent growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms in people with this condition.
-
MOF’s role in weakening the aorta and stopping aneurysm growth
Scientists are studying how a molecule called MOF and inflammatory signals affect abdominal aortic aneurysms to find ways to slow or stop their enlargement.
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Endovascular Suturing Device to Improve Endograft Fixation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
A new device aims to better secure endografts during EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm to reduce future repairs.
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Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
A study exploring how fats in the blood (TRLs) influence the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms to find non-surgical ways to protect against rupture, especially in people aged 65 and older.
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Using genetics to uncover how abdominal aortic aneurysms develop
A research team will study how genetic differences influence abdominal aortic aneurysm to help with earlier prevention and better treatment.
-
Phospholipid-based nanotherapies to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm
A new nanoparticle treatment is being developed to slow or stop the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms in adults.
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.