How brainstem nerves affect breathing and heart struggle in a heart condition
Official title: Contribution of Medullary Pre-Sympathetic Neurons on the Progression of Breathing Disorders and Autonomic Dysfunction in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11398198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how specific brainstem nerve cells influence breathing and heart function in people with a type of heart failure, with the goal of improving symptoms and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $752,846 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL176779-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for direct participation in this study yet; findings aim to inform future human trials.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage animal and in vitro studies may not immediately benefit patients.
What this research studies
Researchers will map the activity of RVLM-C1 neurons during the progression of HFpEF and monitor heart and breathing changes over time in experimental settings. They plan to combine neuronal activity mapping with longitudinal cardiorespiratory and cardiac function measurements to identify when and how these nerve cells contribute to disease progression. The work aims to translate these insights into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that could one day help patients with HFpEF breathe better and maintain heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targets and timing for therapies that reduce symptoms and complications in HFpEF patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies show that targeting RVLM-C1 neurons can modify autonomic and respiratory dysfunction in HFpEF models; this project extends those findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Del Rio, Rodrigo — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Del Rio, Rodrigo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-supported heart failure diagnosis and management in Rwanda
Aiming to help people with suspected heart failure in Rwanda get faster, more accurate diagnoses and better care using AI-guided ultrasound and care protocols.
-
AI-assisted heart failure diagnosis in Rwanda using focused ultrasound
An NIH-funded project will test whether AI-enhanced, easy-to-use heart ultrasound can help non-experts diagnose and manage heart failure in Rwanda.
-
HF endotypes in heart failure using ethical multi-modal AI and molecular data
A patient-friendly project that uses advanced AI and multiple kinds of health data to identify distinct heart failure subtypes that could guide personalized care.
-
Triple gene therapy approach to heal the heart after a heart attack
A new therapy combines three genetic approaches delivered by a virus to help the heart heal after a heart attack.
-
Digital-first heart failure care delivery in Uganda
A targeted program in Uganda tests a digital care plan to help people with heart failure manage their symptoms at home.
-
Digital-first heart failure care delivery in Uganda
A study to test digital self-care tools to help people with heart failure in Uganda manage symptoms and stay healthier.
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.