Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 affects heart valve disease
ACE2 SARS-CoV2-mediated valve disease in a microphysiological tissue-chip model
['FUNDING_R15'] · UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE · NIH-10438067
This study is looking at how a specific protein related to the COVID-19 virus might affect heart valves in people who already have valve problems, with the goal of finding ways to help reduce the severity of infections in those patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R15'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FAYETTEVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10438067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of ACE2, a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in the aortic valve, which is crucial for heart function. The study aims to understand how ACE2 expression and related signaling pathways may increase the risk of severe infection in patients with existing valve disease. Researchers will analyze human valve samples and develop a three-dimensional tissue model to simulate both healthy and diseased aortic valves. By examining how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with these models, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate infection severity in affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with existing aortic valve disease or those at risk for cardiovascular complications related to COVID-19.
Not a fit: Patients without any cardiovascular conditions or those who are not at risk for COVID-19 complications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with heart valve disease who are at risk of severe COVID-19 complications.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using a tissue-chip model for this purpose is novel, related research has shown that understanding viral interactions with cardiovascular tissues can lead to significant insights.
Where this research is happening
FAYETTEVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE — FAYETTEVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BALACHANDRAN, KARTIK — UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE
- Study coordinator: BALACHANDRAN, KARTIK
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 below.