Barrow Aneurysm & AVM Research Center

Research Focus

Excellence in Mind ^TM

In the United States, a brain aneurysm ruptures every 18 minutes. Approximately 40% of ruptured brain aneurysms result in death. While less common, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are similarly devastating, with mortality rates exceeding 50%. For both conditions, the majority of survivors will be left with permanent neurological deficits.

Numerous challenges remain in the detection and treatment of brain aneurysms and AVMs. These vascular lesions are often asymptomatic until they rupture, and unruptured lesions are usually discovered incidentally. At the Barrow Aneurysm and AVM Research Center (BAARC), critical research is taking place to explore the genetics, formation, and rupture of aneurysms and AVMs. Our work pushes the boundaries of care beyond our walls, leading to the development of new, less invasive, and more effective treatments for patients around the world.

Learn more about the laboratories conducting this vital scientific work below.

Hashimoto Laboratory

The Hashimoto Lab conducts bench-to-bedside research of intracranial aneurysm. Our goal is to discover new therapeutic approaches that stabilize aneurysms and prevent their rupture. To accomplish this, we use a unique preclinical model which forms aneurysms that closely mimic the pathophysiological characteristics of human aneurysms, including the tendency to rupture spontaneously.

Using the preclinical model, we test various molecular targets that help us to understand the biological processes contributing to aneurysmal rupture. Simultaneously, we examine human aneurysm and blood samples acquired through the Biobank Core Facility in effort to translate our findings from preclinical studies to actual patient care.

ONGOING PROJECTS

Impaired Efferocytosis

In healthy tissues, apoptotic cells are quickly cleared by the immune system in a process called efferocytosis. However, high levels of apoptotic cells have been found in the tissues of ruptured aneurysms, suggesting that deficiencies in efferocytosis may be linked to aneurysm rupture. Our group is investigating whether modulation of efferocytosis can prevent the rupture of intracranial aneurysm.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Neutrophils, a type of immune cell, can self-destruct and release decondensed networks of DNA referred to as Neutophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). While this generally has an antimicrobial function, its dysregulation can result in recurrent inflammation in vascular tissues. We are investigating whether the interruption of NET formation can prevent the rupture of intracranial aneurysm.

Aging and Senescence

In response to aging or stress, cells may cease to divide, becoming senescent. Senescent cells accumulate with age in many tissues, where they secrete an array of inflammatory proteins that promote dysfunction and disease. Recent studies have shown the surprising effectiveness of removing senescent cells for the prevention of numerous diseases and the extension of lifespan in animals. We are beginning to study whether senescent cells may be targeted for the prevention of aneurysm rupture.

Staff

Faculty

Tomoki Hashimoto, MD

Director

Professor
Neuro-anesthesiology and Neurobiology

Postdoctoral Fellows

Takuma Maeda, MD, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Research Fellows and Technicians

Peyton Nisson, MD

Research Fellow

Oscar Cisneros, BSE

Research Technician

Research Assistants

• Haruka Maeda, MD

Excellence in Mind ^TM

Barrow Aneurysm and AVM Research Center