Vascular smooth muscle cell ferroptosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11373578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $675,290 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166203-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm or at risk due to factors like smoking may benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without AAA risk factors or those not involved in translational follow-up may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how ferroptosis, a form of iron-based cell death, in vascular smooth muscle cells may contribute to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). It uses human data and animal models to connect risk factors like smoking and nicotine to GPX4, a guardian against ferroptosis, and to changes in the aorta. By creating mice with VSMC-specific GPX4 disruption, the researchers aim to link ferroptosis to AAA development and rupture risk. The work combines genetic models, molecular analyses, and potentially translational insights to identify new therapeutic angles for AAA. The goal is to move toward therapies that protect the blood vessel wall and reduce AAA-related mortality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent AAA growth or rupture and reduce the need for surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data and related research suggest ferroptosis may play a role in vascular diseases, supporting potential benefit of this approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Yanhong — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Guo, Yanhong
Related research
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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.