Mapping heart tissue changes related to age and sex.

Proteomics based mapping of cardiac extracellular matrix to define sex and age-dependent changes.

NIH-funded research Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11083150

This study looks at how the heart's support structure changes as we get older and how these changes might be different for men and women, helping us understand their effects on heart health and healing after injury.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMethodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083150 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the heart changes with age and differs between males and females. By examining the proteins and structures within the ECM, the study aims to understand how these changes affect heart health and repair processes. The research involves using animal models to analyze the ECM's composition and its impact on cellular behavior, particularly in response to injury. This could lead to insights into how aging and sex differences influence heart disease outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with heart conditions who are either young or elderly and may have varying sex hormone levels.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not fall into the age or sex categories being studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for heart conditions by tailoring therapies based on age and sex differences.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding ECM composition can lead to significant advancements in cardiac treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.