Understanding heart problems in large animals to improve treatments for humans
Official title: Mechanisms of Large Animal RV Dysfunction
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10995750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with heart function, specifically in the right side of the heart, happen in pigs to help us understand similar issues in people, and it hopes to find new ways to improve heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,323 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL170585-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from cardiovascular diseases that involve right ventricular dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to right ventricular dysfunction or those who do not have cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) using large animal models, specifically pigs, which have heart structures more similar to humans than smaller animals. The study aims to uncover how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to RVD and explore potential therapeutic targets, such as the GP130 receptor, that could improve heart function. By using a porcine model, the research seeks to bridge the gap between small animal studies and human applications, ultimately aiming to develop effective treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies specifically targeting right ventricular dysfunction, improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using large animal models has shown promise in understanding cardiovascular conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mendelson, Jenna Blair — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Mendelson, Jenna Blair
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.