Right‑side heart scarring tied to mitochondrial calcium and oxidative stress
Mitochondrial Fission, Calcium, ROS in Right Ventricular Fibrosis
This work tests whether stopping harmful changes in mitochondria, calcium handling, and oxidative stress in heart cells can reduce scarring of the right side of the heart for people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309450 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) develop scarring of the right ventricle (RV) that leads to heart failure and higher risk of death. Researchers at the University of South Florida are using lab experiments and a rat model that mimics PAH to study how mitochondrial fission, calcium inside mitochondria, and reactive oxygen species drive fibrosis in RV cardiac fibroblasts. They will manipulate key proteins (including PKD and DRP1), measure mitochondrial and cell changes, and test whether blocking these pathways reduces fibrosis. The goal is to find molecular targets that could be turned into new treatments to protect RV function in people with PAH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pulmonary arterial hypertension who have right ventricular enlargement, dysfunction, or evidence of RV fibrosis would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this research.
Not a fit: People without PAH or those whose heart problems are due to left‑sided heart disease or nonfibrotic causes are unlikely to benefit from therapies targeting RV fibrosis developed from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce right ventricular scarring, improve heart function, and potentially extend survival for people with PAH.
How similar studies have performed: Early lab and animal studies have suggested that targeting mitochondrial fission or oxidative stress can reduce heart cell damage, but treatments specifically preventing RV fibrosis in PAH remain unproven in people.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jhun, Bong Sook — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Jhun, Bong Sook
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.