DZIP1's role in mitral valve prolapse and heart scarring
Dzip1 and Mitral Valve Prolapse
This project looks at how changes in the DZIP1 gene and extra mechanical tension may cause mitral valve prolapse and lead to scarring in the left side of the heart for people with MVP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11395716 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will learn how researchers are trying to explain why some people with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) develop dangerous scarring in the left ventricle. The team will combine 3-D imaging, patient tissue samples or biopsies, and molecular tests such as ATAC-seq to study the DZIP1 gene and how increased tension in certain heart regions drives fibrosis. Work spans from molecules and cells up to whole-heart tissue and may use both human-derived samples and model systems to trace the steps from valve abnormality to ventricular damage. The goal is to find signals that could point to earlier monitoring or treatment to prevent heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (including Barlow's syndrome), especially those with imaging signs suggesting valve degeneration or early ventricular changes, would be the best candidates to follow or contribute samples.
Not a fit: People without mitral valve prolapse or with unrelated heart conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect or prevent left ventricular scarring earlier in people with MVP and improve timing of interventions to reduce heart failure and sudden death.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical and imaging studies have shown that LV fibrosis and arrhythmias occur in some MVP patients, but linking DZIP1 and regional tension-driven fibrosis is a newer, more mechanistic approach.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norris, Russell — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Norris, Russell
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.