Investigating how changes in gene expression contribute to heart tissue scarring in pulmonary hypertension
Official title: Alternative polyadenylation in Right Ventricular Fibrosis
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11192961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain changes in our genes might cause scarring in the heart's right side for people with pulmonary hypertension, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | September 24, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $760,708 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL169445-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension who are experiencing right ventricular failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary hypertension who do not exhibit signs of right ventricular failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the molecular mechanisms behind right ventricular fibrosis, a serious condition associated with pulmonary hypertension. It focuses on a process called alternative polyadenylation, which affects how genes are expressed and can lead to excessive production of proteins that contribute to heart tissue scarring. By studying the role of a specific protein, CPSF6, and its interaction with reactive aldehydes, the research aims to uncover new insights into the causes of right ventricular failure. The findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target the underlying causes of right ventricular fibrosis, improving outcomes for patients with pulmonary hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gene expression in heart conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amirthalingam Thandavarayan, Rajarajan — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Amirthalingam Thandavarayan, Rajarajan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Interface between immune cells and scarring in the eye
This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
-
How often to treat schistosomiasis to protect the liver
A randomized trial will test different frequencies ofPraziquantel treatment to prevent liver damage in people aged 15–40 with schistosomiasis in Uganda.
-
Metabolic changes in cells that repair blood vessels in the eye lens to prevent scarring
A drug or approach that changes how certain cells that repair blood vessels in the eye work, to prevent scarring behind the retina in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This project studies heart tissue changes in women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who are on antiretroviral therapy, to understand why they’re at higher risk for heart problems as they age.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This grant studies heart tissue changes in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa to understand why heart failure risk is higher in this group.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
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.