Investigating how a specific genetic variant affects heart disease and fibrosis.
Official title: A novel, genetic model of IL-6 trans-signaling to interrogate cardiac fibrosis pathology
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10873238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect heart disease and heart health, using mice to see if blocking a certain signal can help people with heart failure feel better and get more personalized treatments based on their genetics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168902-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with heart failure or those at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with the IL6R Ala358 genetic variant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cardiovascular conditions or those who do not carry the IL6R Ala358 variant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of a genetic variant in the IL-6 receptor that may influence heart disease and cardiac fibrosis. By using a specialized mouse model, researchers will simulate heart pressure overload to study how this variant affects inflammation and fibrosis in the heart. The goal is to understand whether blocking IL-6 signaling can be an effective treatment for patients with heart failure and related cardiovascular conditions. This research could lead to personalized treatment strategies based on genetic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with heart failure and cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting IL-6 signaling pathways for cardiovascular diseases, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawkins, Gregory a — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hawkins, Gregory a
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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.