Decoupling heart valve fibrosis from ventricular remodeling in degenerative mitral regurgitation
Official title: Decoupling mitral valve-left ventricular fibrotic remodeling in degenerative mitral regurgitation via serotonin 2B receptor
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11401987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A medication-based approach aims to block a specific serotonin receptor to prevent harmful changes in the heart valve and surrounding tissue for people with degenerative mitral regurgitation.
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 start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $711,406 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL178026-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with degenerative mitral regurgitation or related atrial/ventricular remodeling who may be candidates for future therapeutic trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MR-related remodeling or those seeking immediate surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project studies how blocking the 5-HT2B receptor might separate the damaging remodeling of the mitral valve from changes in the left ventricle in patients with mitral regurgitation. Researchers will use mice and human heart tissue cells to understand how this receptor drives fibrosis and how it impacts both valve function and heart muscle. The work will test new 5-HT2B blockers to see if they can prevent fibrosis without needing immediate surgery. If successful, it could lead to a pharmacological option that complements or delays valve repair or replacement. The study is designed to translate findings from animal models to human cells to guide future clinical testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain a non-surgical therapy to reduce valve and heart muscle fibrosis and improve outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work suggests 5-HT2B signaling influences cardiac remodeling, with ongoing investigation into receptor-specific therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merryman, William D — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Merryman, William D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
EVOLVE-MR: Extending Valve-Surgery Outcomes to Real-World Patients with Mitral Regurgitation
Aims to make the evidence from landmark valve surgery trials applicable to the everyday patients with mitral regurgitation by linking trial data with Medicare records to understand real-world outcomes.
-
Why the heart enlarges with mitral valve leakage (mitral regurgitation)
This project looks at how leaking of the mitral valve causes heart muscle cells to stretch and the left ventricle to enlarge in adults with mitral regurgitation.
-
Better defining non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with functional mitral regurgitation to predict treatment outcomes
The team will use advanced heart MRI to better classify people with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and functional mitral regurgitation so doctors can predict which treatments may work best.
-
Comparing two treatments for severe mitral regurgitation
This study is looking at how two different treatments for degenerative mitral regurgitation—one done through a small tube and the other through traditional surgery—affect patients' health and experiences, so we can better understand which option might work best for you over time.
-
Understanding heart muscle changes due to mitral valve problems
This study looks at how the heart changes when someone has mitral regurgitation, a common heart valve problem, and aims to understand why the heart can become enlarged and weak over time, which could help find better ways to treat patients with this condition.
-
Improving treatment predictions for heart patients with mitral valve issues
This study is looking at how to better understand and treat heart problems in people with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and leaky heart valves, using advanced imaging techniques to help doctors choose the best treatments for each patient.
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.