How inflammation and biological sex affect aortic valve scarring and hardening using lab-grown valve tissue
Hydrogel matrices to study the role of inflammation and biological sex on aortic valve fibrocalcification
Researchers are using lab-grown human valve tissue to learn how inflammation and biological sex change scarring and hardening of the aortic valve in adults with valve disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team grows human valve cells in 3-D hydrogel scaffolds that mimic diseased aortic valve tissue and adds immune cells to recreate inflammation. They compare male- and female-derived valve cells to see differences in scarring, stiffness, and calcium buildup. Molecular tests, including epigenetic profiling like ATAC-seq, are used to find sex-specific gene regulation and bone-inhibiting proteins linked to calcification. The goal is to model patient-like valve disease in the lab so findings can point to why disease progresses differently in men and women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with aortic valve stenosis or people undergoing valve surgery who can donate valve tissue or clinical data are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without aortic valve disease or those needing immediate valve replacement are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from this lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to sex-specific targets or approaches to prevent or slow valve scarring and calcification.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab models of valve cells and immune interactions have revealed disease mechanisms, but combining sex-specific inflammation and epigenetic analysis in 3-D hydrogel systems is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anseth, Kristi S. — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Anseth, Kristi S.
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.