Voltage-dependent potassium channels and tiny blood vessels in people
Official title: Voltage-Dependent K+ Channels and Microvascular Control in Humans
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-11437702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how special potassium channels control tiny blood vessels in adults, which could affect blood pressure and heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $228,602 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG103379-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11437702 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older, including both men and women, who may participate in vascular or metabolic assessments relevant to KV channel function.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cardiovascular concerns or who are unable to participate in vascular function testing may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of North Texas Health Science Center are studying how voltage-dependent potassium (KV) channels help regulate vascular tone in humans, including how NO/cGMP/PKG signaling and beta-adrenergic signals influence these channels. The work builds on prior findings in young adults and aims to see how aging and hormonal differences (like menopause) impact KV channel function in the skeletal muscle microvasculature. The study uses human participants to better understand whether KV channels contribute to age- and sex-related changes in blood vessel regulation, with potential implications for cardiovascular risk. Overall, the project seeks to map how KV channels support vascular health and respond to nervous and hormonal signals in adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to better strategies for maintaining vascular health and reducing cardiovascular risk as people age.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown KV channels influence human vascular function, with new data suggesting aging and sex hormones alter this regulation; the current work extends these findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romero, Steven a. — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Romero, Steven a.
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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.