NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Identifying microRNA markers for heart transplant rejection and complications

Official title: MicroRNA Biomarkers of Allograft Rejection and Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in Cardiac Transplantation

Funded at Inova Health Care Services · NIH-10869894 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at tiny molecules in your blood that could help doctors spot heart transplant issues early, making it easier to keep you healthy after your surgery.

More Rejection research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionInova Health Care Services
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fairfax, UNITED STATES)
Project startJuly 1, 2020
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$184,680
NIH project number5K23HL143179-05
Project IDNIH-10869894 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone heart transplantation and are at risk for allograft rejection or cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not received a heart transplant or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on exploring circulating, cell-free microRNAs (ccf-miRs) as potential non-invasive biomarkers for detecting allograft rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplant patients. The approach involves isolating these microRNAs from blood samples and using advanced genomic sequencing techniques to analyze them. By combining transcriptomic data with clinical information, the research aims to develop a clinical panel of biomarkers that can help in the early detection of transplant complications, ultimately improving patient management and outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of heart transplant rejection, potentially saving lives and improving the quality of care for transplant recipients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for transplant rejection, indicating that this approach could be a meaningful advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

  • Inova Health Care Services
    Fairfax, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Shah, Palak — Inova Health Care Services
  • Study coordinator: Shah, Palak

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.