Using genetics to uncover how abdominal aortic aneurysms develop
Official title: Using genetics to discover mechanisms of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11382092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team will study how genetic differences influence abdominal aortic aneurysm to help with earlier prevention and better treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2011 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $764,275 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL109946-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm who later could benefit from improved risk assessment or therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without AAA risk or a related disease may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project looks at how genetic changes control which genes are turned on or off in the abdominal aorta and how that affects aneurysm risk. The team will combine large genetic datasets with tissue data and laboratory models to identify causal genes and pathways. They will use bioinformatics, cell culture, and animal studies to understand how these genetic signals drive disease. The goal is to translate genetic findings into insights that could guide prevention and new therapies for people at risk of AAA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to earlier detection and targeted treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
How similar studies have gone: Prior large-scale genetic studies have identified AAA loci, and this work builds on those results to pinpoint causal genes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yuqing Eugene — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yuqing Eugene
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Vascular smooth muscle cell ferroptosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm
A study to understand how a specific type of cell death in blood vessel walls may drive abdominal aortic aneurysm and if new targets could prevent rupture.
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.