What makes abdominal aortic aneurysms grow and weaken
Official title: Novel Mechanisms underlying abdominal aortic aneurysm progression
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11289478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at why the wall of the belly artery weakens and can burst in people with abdominal aortic aneurysms by studying cell survival and the artery's outer layer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $638,099 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173025-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11289478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm or who can provide aortic tissue or related medical data would be the most relevant candidates for participation or sample donation.
✕Less likely to help
People without abdominal aortic aneurysm or with vascular conditions unrelated to AAA are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how loss of a protein called Smad2 and programmed cell death in artery muscle cells make abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) worse. The team uses genetically modified mouse models that mimic human AAA and applies two common lab models (angiotensin II infusion and elastase) to study tissue changes and rupture risk. They also analyze human aortic tissue samples and cell experiments to link the animal findings to people. Together these approaches aim to clarify how the artery's outer layer (adventitia) and cell-death pathways influence aneurysm progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets for drugs or other treatments to slow or prevent aneurysm growth and lower the risk of rupture.
How similar studies have gone: Some animal and tissue studies have linked these cell-death and signaling pathways to aneurysm worsening, but no proven patient treatments have yet emerged from this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shiyou — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shiyou
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
-
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Scientists are studying how a molecule called MOF and inflammatory signals affect abdominal aortic aneurysms to find ways to slow or stop their enlargement.
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A new device aims to better secure endografts during EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm to reduce future repairs.
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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.
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Using genetics to uncover how abdominal aortic aneurysms develop
A research team will study how genetic differences influence abdominal aortic aneurysm to help with earlier prevention and better treatment.
-
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.
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.