Understanding the causes and treatments for thoracic aortic aneurysm

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research focuses on exploring the mechanisms behind thoracic aortic aneurysms, particularly in patients with Marfan syndrome. Led by Dr. Mary Sheppard at the University of Kentucky, the project aims to identify new therapeutic targets through preclinical research. The approach includes studying animal models to better understand the disease and develop effective treatments. The research is supported by a team of experts in various fields related to aortic health.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Kentucky
  Lexington, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Sheppard, Mary Burchett — University of Kentucky
• Study coordinator: Sheppard, Mary Burchett

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Biomarker clues from animal and computer models to predict when the ascending aorta could fail

  Researchers will combine animal studies and computer models to find biological clues that help predict dangerous changes in the ascending aorta for people with aortic aneurysm.

  NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11465647

• Sexual differences in thoracic aortic aneurysm biology

  A study to understand why men and women experience thoracic aortic aneurysms differently, with a focus on human tissue and biology.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11406202

• Using AI and 3D CT scans to predict rupture risk for thoracic aortic aneurysms

  This project uses machine learning plus 3D CT scans to help identify adults with thoracic aortic aneurysms—especially smaller ones—who may be at higher risk of rupture.

  NIH research University of Miami Coral Gables · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11260144

• Understanding the causes and treatments for thoracic aortic aneurysm

  This study is looking into how thoracic aortic aneurysms develop in people with Marfan syndrome, with the goal of finding new ways to treat this condition, and it involves testing different medications on animal models to see how they affect aortic health.

  NIH research University of Kentucky · Lexington, United States · NIH-11136787

• Finding better warning signs for problems in the upper aorta (ascending aortic aneurysm)

  Researchers are combining mouse experiments, computer simulations, and patient scans to find sets of markers that could warn people with ascending aortic aneurysms about the risk of rapid growth, tearing, or rupture.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11117068

• Understanding how biomechanical factors affect the growth and rupture of aortic aneurysms

  This study is looking at how certain physical changes in the aorta can help us understand why some aortic aneurysms grow or tear, specifically in veterans, so we can improve how we decide when surgery is needed.

  NIH research Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11073101

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.