NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding heart fibrosis with AI, MRI, and genomics

Official title: Integrating deep learning, magnetic resonance imaging and genomics to study myocardial fibrosis

Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11381731 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A doctor-scientist is using artificial intelligence, advanced heart MRI, and genetic data to learn how scar tissue forms in the aging heart and how to prevent it.

More Fibrosis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2025
Project endJuly 31, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$166,480
NIH project number5K08HL179484-02
Project IDNIH-11381731 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with or at risk for cardiovascular disease who undergo cardiac MRI and have genetic data available.

Less likely to help

Persons without access to MRI or genetic data might not directly benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This work combines deep learning, MRI scans, and genetic information to uncover the mechanisms driving myocardial fibrosis, a condition linked to aging and many heart diseases. By analyzing large datasets, researchers aim to identify key biological pathways and potential therapeutic targets. The findings could lead to earlier detection and new treatments to slow or prevent fibrotic changes in the heart.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could lead to better prediction, prevention, and treatment options for heart fibrosis and related cardiovascular diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that integrating imaging and genetic data can reveal meaningful links to fibrosis and heart disease.

Where this research is happening

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Nauffal, Victor — Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Nauffal, Victor

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving deep brain stimulation with MRI and AI

    We use brain scans and artificial intelligence to speed up and personalize deep brain stimulation settings for people getting DBS.

    NIH research Ge Medical Systems Information Technologies, INC · Niskayuna, United States · NIH-11478774

  • Predicting Post-Covid Lung Scarring with Easy-to-Understand Deep Learning and Key Biomarkers

    Aims to use explainable artificial intelligence and biomarker data from multiple hospitals to predict which patients will develop long-term lung scarring after COVID-19.

    NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11380916

  • Deep learning to estimate kidney scarring from ultrasound

    A new AI-based tool uses ultrasound images to estimate kidney scarring (interstitial fibrosis) without needing a biopsy, helping people with chronic kidney disease and their doctors track disease.

    NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11374958

  • MRI and AI to personalize deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's

    This project uses brain MRI and artificial intelligence to help personalize deep brain stimulation settings so people with Parkinson's get faster, safer symptom relief.

    NIH research Ge Medical Systems Information Technologies, INC · Niskayuna, United States · NIH-11263609

  • Early prediction of lung scarring after COVID using explainable AI

    This project uses explainable AI on CT scans and medical records to find people at risk of lung scarring after COVID-19.

    NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11178702

  • Using AI with kidney ultrasound to find scarring

    This project is creating an artificial intelligence tool that uses routine kidney ultrasound pictures to find and measure scarring in the kidneys for people with chronic kidney disease.

    NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11143702

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.