Investigating the role of Y chromosome loss in heart disease related to amyloidosis
Official title: Mosaic Loss of the Y Chromosome in Cardiac Amyloidosis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11065545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how losing the Y chromosome in blood cells might be linked to a heart condition called transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, especially in men, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat this serious issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $521,859 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086508-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis or those at risk for this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are female or do not have transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells may contribute to a serious heart condition known as transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR). The study aims to explore the relationship between this genetic change and the development of heart failure, particularly in men, who are disproportionately affected by this disease. By examining patient samples and using animal models, researchers will investigate the mechanisms behind this condition and how it may be diagnosed and treated more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering from cardiac amyloidosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results linking Y chromosome loss to cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Kenneth — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Kenneth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Identifying Hidden Cardiac Amyloidosis in Black V122I TTR Carriers
This project looks for early signs of heart damage in Black individuals who carry the V122I TTR variant and may benefit from new treatments if caught early.
-
Chip phosphorylation boosts breakdown of mutant TTR to help heart amyloidosis
A scientist-led project aims to help people with a heart disease caused by a mutant protein called transthyretin (TTR) by boosting the body’s protein-cleanup systems to remove the harmful TTR deposits.
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Finding transthyretin heart amyloid from lumbar spine surgery tissue
This project looks for transthyretin (TTR) amyloid in tissue removed during lumbar spine surgery to find people who may later develop TTR cardiac amyloidosis.
-
Blood biomarker test for heart amyloidosis in Black and Hispanic people
A blood test called TAD1 is being checked to detect dangerous heart amyloidosis earlier in Black and Hispanic patients who have heart failure.
-
PET tracer to image cardiac amyloidosis
A new PET tracer is being developed to help visualize amyloid buildup in the heart, potentially helping people with amyloidosis and related heart disease.
-
Why losing parts of the Y chromosome may drive TTR heart amyloidosis in men
The team is looking at whether loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells helps explain why men develop transthyretin (TTR) heart amyloidosis.
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.