How the right side of the heart changes in pulmonary hypertension

Right ventricle remodeling in pulmonary hypertension

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11249584

Researchers are comparing gene activity and immune cells in the right versus left heart to discover new ways to protect people with pulmonary hypertension whose right heart is failing.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11249584 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project looks at the biology of the right ventricle (the heart's right pumping chamber) in pulmonary hypertension to understand why it fails. Scientists compare the right and left ventricles using gene-expression analysis and immune cell profiling, mostly in rat models that mimic pressure overload and disease. They found more immune cells and different fibrotic gene signals in the right ventricle and will follow up to pinpoint the cells and pathways involved. The goal is to use those findings to guide development of therapies aimed specifically at protecting or repairing the right ventricle.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with pulmonary hypertension, particularly those with signs of right‑ventricular dysfunction or pulmonary arterial hypertension, would be most relevant to this research.

Not a fit: People without pulmonary hypertension or those with only left‑sided heart disease are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that better prevent or reverse right‑ventricle failure in pulmonary hypertension and reduce the need for transplant.

How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and human observations have shown RV‑specific immune and fibrotic changes, but right‑ventricle‑targeted therapies remain largely unproven, so this builds on existing findings rather than being an established treatment path.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.