Lymphatic genes that affect heart valve health
Novel lymphatic genes that regulate heart valve development and disease
Researchers are studying specific genes that help shape heart valves to better understand valve problems that can affect people, especially older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11233273 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how genes active in lymphatic and valve cells influence the structure and function of heart valves. The team will use lab models and tissue samples to map a signaling pathway involving PROX1, FOXC2, and PDGF-B that appears to control valve cell identity and the extracellular matrix. By comparing normal and altered gene activity, they aim to learn how gene changes lead to thickened or dysfunctional valves. Although mostly lab-based, the findings could point to targets for future therapies and inform which patients might benefit from new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with degenerative heart valve disease, valve thickening, or lymphatic disorders who are willing to contribute tissue samples or consider future clinical trials would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without valve or lymphatic conditions, or those needing immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or treat degenerative heart valve disease and related lymphatic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have shown PROX1 influences valve development, but the specific PROX1→FOXC2→PDGF-B signaling pathway described here is a newer idea that still needs confirmation.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Srinivasan, Rajanarayanan S — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Srinivasan, Rajanarayanan S
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.