Gene switches that drive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Epigenetic Regulation of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
This research looks at whether widely used drugs like empagliflozin and semaglutide change gene activity across organs in ways that could help people with HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325463 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, the team will use a rat model that mimics HFpEF to see how metabolic stress and common HFpEF drugs change gene regulation in the heart, fat, liver, kidney, lung, and muscle. They will map chromatin (epigenetic) and RNA changes across those organs to find patterns linked to the disease. By comparing molecular signatures before and after treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists, researchers hope to connect drug effects to improvements in organ function. The goal is to reveal biological pathways that could point to new or better-targeted treatments for people with HFpEF.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HFpEF—especially those whose condition is linked to obesity or high blood pressure—are the patient group most likely to benefit from future trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: People with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or those without cardiometabolic contributors to their condition may not see direct benefit from findings focused on HFpEF mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify molecular pathways across organs that new or repurposed drugs can target to improve symptoms and outcomes in HFpEF.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists have already shown benefits on HFpEF-related measures in humans, but using epigenetic mapping to explain how they work is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vondriska, Thomas M. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Vondriska, Thomas M.
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.