What controls the size of blood vessel tubes
Role of SHE and ABL signaling in vascular tubulogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-11235164
This research looks at two proteins that help shape blood vessel tubes and how they might cause abnormally large vessels for people with vascular malformations.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient’s view, researchers are studying how tiny blood vessel channels form and why some end up too large. The team is examining two proteins, SHE and ABL, using zebrafish embryos and human blood vessel cells grown in the lab to see how those proteins change cell shape, movement, and adhesion. They measure tube size and cell behavior in 3D cultures and look for the molecular signals that control lumen diameter. The work is laboratory-based and aimed at understanding causes of venous malformations rather than testing treatments in people right now.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with venous malformations or other congenital vascular malformations would be the most relevant patients to follow this research or be future trial candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated conditions or those needing immediate clinical therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-based project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets for treating venous malformations and other diseases caused by abnormal vessel size.
How similar studies have performed: ABL signaling is known to affect cell shape and movement, but the role of SHE in controlling vessel lumen size is a new finding and relatively untested.
Where this research is happening
TAMPA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA — TAMPA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUMANAS, SAULIUS — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: SUMANAS, SAULIUS
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.