Understanding gene activity in heart transplant rejection

Cell-Specific Transcriptional Programs in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11060033

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11060033 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently undergone heart transplantation and are being monitored for signs of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Nashville, 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 2026-06-10 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.