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Researchers discover a key protein linked to oxidative stress-related vascular diseases, paving the way for potential treatments.
A team of scientists at Mass General Brigham has uncovered a novel pathway that could revolutionize the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and aortic aneurysms-a life-threatening condition involving abnormal bulging in the body’s largest artery. Published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, their findings highlight the critical role of oxidative stress in these diseases and identify a previously unexplored drug target: the protein DUSP-3.
The Study’s Approach
Using a cutting-edge “chemogenetic” mouse model, researchers dynamically manipulated oxidative stress in blood vessels to mimic disease conditions. They discovered that prolonged exposure to reactive oxygen species-harmful molecules linked to cell damage-triggers structural changes in vascular cells, increasing susceptibility to aneurysms and hypertension.
Key Discovery
The protein DUSP-3 emerged as a central player in this process. When mice with induced oxidative stress were treated with a DUSP-3 inhibitor, the development of aortic aneurysms was blocked, and blood pressure levels dropped. “DUSP-3 had never been linked to these conditions before. This opens entirely new avenues for drug development,” said senior author Dr. Thomas Michel, a cardiovascular medicine expert at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Why It Matters
Hypertension affects half of all U.S. adults, while aortic aneurysms cause approximately 15,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone. Current treatments often fail to address underlying causes, leaving a critical need for targeted therapies. “Our model not only clarifies how oxidative stress drives these diseases but also provides a direct path to clinical solutions,” added Dr. Apabrita Ayan Das, the study’s lead researcher.
Next Steps
The team plans to investigate DUSP-3’s role in other oxidative stress-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, and aging-related vascular decline.
Disclaimer
This article is based on research findings from a peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation (DOI: 10.1172/JCI188743). The described treatments are experimental and have not yet been tested in humans. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Source:
Medical Xpress, Scientists develop a new model to study hypertension and aortic aneurysms (2025). https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-scientists-hypertension-aortic-aneurysms.html. Accessed May 1, 2025.
Formatting Note:
For clarity, critical terms like DUSP-3 and “chemogenetic” are bolded on first mention, and the disclaimer is italicized to distinguish it from the main content. Journalists may adjust styling per their publication’s guidelines.
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