Understanding gene activity in heart transplant rejection
Official title: Cell-Specific Transcriptional Programs in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11060033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes behave in heart tissue during the early stages of a condition called cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), which can happen after a heart transplant, and it's for heart transplant patients who can help by providing small samples of their heart tissue to improve early detection and treatment of this serious issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $185,436 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL166960-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently undergone heart transplantation and are being monitored for signs of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart transplant or those who are not experiencing any signs of cardiac allograft vasculopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), a serious condition that can occur after heart transplantation, leading to graft failure. The study aims to identify specific gene activity patterns in heart tissue during the early stages of CAV, using advanced techniques like single-nuclear RNA sequencing. By analyzing changes in gene regulation and chromatin accessibility, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind CAV and improve early detection and treatment strategies. Patients who have undergone heart transplantation may provide endomyocardial biopsies to help advance this important work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatments for heart transplant recipients at risk of graft failure due to CAV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using gene sequencing techniques to understand transplant rejection, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amancherla, Kaushik — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Amancherla, Kaushik
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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.