What makes abdominal aortic aneurysms grow and weaken
Novel Mechanisms underlying abdominal aortic aneurysm progression
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA · NIH-11289478
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
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11289478 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: People without abdominal aortic aneurysm or with vascular conditions unrelated to AAA are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
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 performed: 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
COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA — COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, SHIYOU — UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
- Study coordinator: CHEN, SHIYOU
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.
Conditions: Aortic Diseases