Understanding Cilia's Role in Heart Valve Disease

Cilia and Valvular Heart Disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · NIH-11052516

This project explores how tiny structures called cilia and certain gene changes might cause common heart valve problems like mitral valve prolapse.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11052516 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Valvular heart disease is a serious and common health problem, affecting many people and leading to complications like heart failure. This project investigates a new idea that tiny, hair-like structures called cilia play a crucial role in how heart valves form during development. Researchers are building on earlier discoveries that changes in a specific gene, DZIP1, can lead to mitral valve prolapse. The goal is to understand how these genetic changes affect cilia and valve development, which could open doors to new ways to address heart valve diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant to individuals with valvular heart disease, particularly mitral valve prolapse, or those with a family history of these conditions.

Not a fit: Patients without heart valve disease or those whose condition is not related to the specific genetic or cellular mechanisms being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of heart valve diseases, potentially paving the way for new non-surgical treatments or prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous successful studies from the research team and incorporates newly recognized genetic data from heart valve disease patients, exploring novel mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

CHARLESTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Barlows Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.