Understanding Aortic Valve Hardening with Advanced Imaging
Advanced Non-invasive Imaging in the Investigation of Aortic Stenosis Pathobiology
This project uses advanced imaging to better understand why heart valves harden, especially in older adults, hoping to find new ways to slow down or stop the condition.
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 ID | NIH-11160526 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Aortic stenosis is a common heart condition in older adults where the heart's aortic valve stiffens and narrows, often requiring surgery. Currently, there are no medications to prevent or slow this process once it starts. This research uses special non-invasive imaging techniques to look closely at the changes happening in the aortic valve. By understanding the tiny cell-level changes that cause the valve to harden, we hope to discover new ways to treat this condition without surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults, typically 65 and above, who have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, especially in its earlier stages.
Not a fit: Patients who already have severe aortic stenosis requiring immediate surgical intervention may not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that slow or stop the progression of aortic stenosis, potentially delaying or preventing the need for valve replacement surgery.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon findings in animal models that suggest a role for blood platelets in the development of aortic stenosis, offering a novel direction for human therapy.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindner, Jonathan R — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Lindner, Jonathan R
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.