Understanding Progeria with Lab-Grown Blood Vessels
In Vitro Human Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessel Disease Model of Progeria
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11077696
This research creates miniature lab-grown blood vessels from patient cells to better understand Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare condition causing accelerated aging.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11077696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare condition where children experience rapid aging, often leading to heart attack or stroke by their early twenties. This happens because of a specific genetic change that causes a harmful protein called progerin to build up in cells, especially in blood vessels. Since it's hard to find enough patients for traditional studies, this project uses special cells from HGPS patients to grow tiny, engineered blood vessels in the lab. These lab-grown vessels show the same problems seen in patients, like stiffening and damage, allowing researchers to study the disease more closely and test potential treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, particularly those whose cells could contribute to understanding the disease mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients without Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this model could help scientists test new treatments for Progeria more quickly and effectively, potentially leading to therapies that improve the lives of affected children.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon initial success in developing these tissue-engineered blood vessel models that accurately reflect the disease's pathology.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TRUSKEY, GEORGE A — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: TRUSKEY, GEORGE A
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 below.