Skeletal Muscle's Influence on Lung Blood Vessels in Heart Failure

Role of Skeletal Muscle in Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11115796

This project explores how changes in skeletal muscle might contribute to a common type of high blood pressure in the lungs for people with heart failure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115796 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

For people with heart failure and high blood pressure in their lungs (PH-HFpEF), there are currently no effective treatments. Our past work showed that a protein called sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) is lower in the skeletal muscle of these patients. We've now found a new way that muscle changes, specifically through SIRT3, might send signals that affect the blood vessels in the lungs. This project aims to understand how these muscle signals, including a protein called B2M which is higher in PH-HFpEF patients, lead to harmful changes in the lung's blood vessels.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients living with pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF) would be the ideal candidates for future clinical applications of this research.

Not a fit: Patients without pulmonary hypertension or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure, a condition for which effective therapies are currently lacking.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous findings from the research team regarding SIRT3 and has identified new signaling molecules, suggesting a novel approach based on prior successful foundational work.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, 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 2026-06-13 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.