NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how a specific enzyme affects heart tissue scarring and heart failure.

Official title: 15-PGDH-Mediated Eicosanoid Degradation in Cardiac Fibrosis and Heart Failure

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11134751 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific enzyme affects heart scarring and stiffness, and it aims to find ways to stop this process to help people with heart failure feel better and improve their heart function.

More Heart Failure research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startJuly 10, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$544,291
NIH project number5R01HL171711-02
Project IDNIH-11134751 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing heart failure or related cardiac conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute heart failure or those without any signs of cardiac fibrosis may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of an enzyme called 15-PGDH in the development of cardiac fibrosis, which is the thickening and scarring of heart tissue. The study aims to explore how inhibiting this enzyme can prevent the activation of cardiac fibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis, thereby potentially reducing heart stiffness and improving heart function. By using both animal models and human samples, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Patients may be monitored for changes in heart structure and function through advanced imaging techniques.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse heart failure caused by cardiac fibrosis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using similar approaches to target cardiac fibrosis, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Colorado Denver
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mckinsey, Timothy — University of Colorado Denver
  • Study coordinator: Mckinsey, Timothy

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Epigenetic clues to stop heart scarring and failure

    A patient-focused look at how turning off specific epigenetic signals may reduce heart scarring and improve heart function in people with heart failure.

    NIH research J. David Gladstone Institutes · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11415521

  • 15-PGDH–Related Breakthrough for Heart Fibrosis and Diastolic Heart Failure

    A heart-disease study tests whether blocking a specific enzyme can reduce scar tissue in the heart and improve heart function in adults with conditions like hypertension and metabolic disease.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11334407

  • FAM3D's role in reducing heart scarring in heart failure

    This project looks at whether the protein FAM3D can reduce inflammation and scarring in adults with heart failure.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11252623

  • How a specific cytokine affects heart failure and cardiac fibrosis

    This study is looking at a substance called FAM3D to see how it affects heart failure, especially in reducing heart damage and inflammation, and it aims to find new ways to help people with heart problems feel better.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11034204

  • Investigating how AEBP1 contributes to heart tissue scarring after injury

    This study is looking at a protein called AEBP1 to see how it affects heart healing after injury, with the hope of finding new treatments to help people recover better from heart problems.

    NIH research VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11003655

  • 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.

    NIH research Boston Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-11625877

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.