Investigating the role of telomerase in aortic valve calcification
Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Aortic Valve Calcification
This study is looking into how calcific aortic valve disease happens and hopes to find new ways to treat it without surgery, focusing on a specific gene that might help us understand and slow down the problem, which could lead to better options for patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135717 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how calcific aortic valve disease develops and identifying potential non-surgical treatments. The team will explore the role of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in the changes that occur in aortic valve cells, which lead to calcification. By studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved, they aim to find new therapeutic targets that could prevent or slow down the progression of this condition. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments beyond valve replacement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with calcific aortic valve disease who are at risk of requiring surgical intervention.
Not a fit: Patients with aortic valve disease who are not candidates for non-surgical interventions or those who have already undergone valve replacement may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-surgical therapies for calcific aortic valve disease, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for valve replacement.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting telomerase and its functions, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment options.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: St. Hilaire, Cynthia — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: St. Hilaire, Cynthia
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.