Improving heart function in donor hearts for transplantation
Official title: Targeting Immune-Responsive Gene 1 (Irg1) and Itaconate for Cardioprotection of the Donor Heart for Transplantation
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10906125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a medication called valproic acid might help make donor hearts work better after a transplant, which could lead to better results for people receiving heart transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $638,627 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164416-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals awaiting heart transplantation or those who have received a donor heart.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation or those with contraindications to valproic acid may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the function of donor hearts used in transplants, particularly focusing on a drug called valproic acid (VPA). VPA is known for treating epilepsy but has shown promise in improving heart function by increasing the production of a protective metabolite called itaconate. The study uses animal models to explore how VPA can help prevent primary graft dysfunction, a condition that affects 10-20% of transplant patients. By improving the preservation of donor hearts, this research aims to enhance outcomes for heart transplant recipients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better heart transplant outcomes and reduced complications for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that enhancing donor heart preservation can significantly improve transplant outcomes, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Paul — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Tang, Paul
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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.