Cadherin-11's role in aortic valve calcification
Cadherin-11 in calcific aortic valve disease
This project looks at whether blocking a protein called cadherin-11 can stop or even reverse calcium buildup in the aortic valve of older adults with aortic stenosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239089 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how cadherin-11 (CDH11) makes normally calm valve cells turn into bone-like, calcifying cells using lab experiments on valve cells and animal models. They will test whether therapies that block CDH11 can halt or reverse valve calcification after it has started. The team will also measure CDH11 levels in blood from people with aortic stenosis to see if a blood test can help time treatment. Together these steps aim to move a potential drug target and a matching biomarker closer to use in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People, typically age 65 and older, with degenerative or calcific aortic valve disease (aortic stenosis) would be the likely candidates for related clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People without aortic valve disease, those with non-calcific valve problems, or patients whose valves are already irreversibly damaged and scheduled for replacement are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to a drug approach that slows or reverses calcific aortic valve disease and a blood test to help decide when to treat.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and laboratory studies over the past decade support CDH11 as a promising target, but clinical benefit in patients has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merryman, William D — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Merryman, William D
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.