APelin and RAAS crosstalk in pulmonary hypertension: protecting the right heart
Official title: The emerging role of apelin, RAAS, and ACE2 crosstalk in pulmonary hypertension
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11401035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to see if apelin can protect the right side of the heart in pulmonary hypertension by tweaking ACE2 and RAAS pathways.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $769,402 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164791-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pulmonary hypertension who may have right-heart dysfunction could benefit from future applications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly benefit patients with other heart or lung conditions not involving PH or right-ventricular failure.
What this research studies
This project studies whether giving apelin can prevent or reduce right heart failure in pulmonary hypertension. It uses both animal and human cell models to understand how apelin interacts with ACE2 and RAAS signaling in the heart and lungs. The research combines in vivo experiments with human iPSC-derived heart cells and vascular cells to explore mechanisms and potential therapeutic effects. If successful, it could point to a novel approach to safeguard the right ventricle in PH patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new heart-protective therapies for people with pulmonary hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports apelin-related pathways affecting heart and vessel function, but this specific RV-directed mechanism is exploratory and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frump, Andrea Lee — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Frump, Andrea Lee
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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.