Understanding heart tissue changes caused by mitral valve prolapse
Official title: Mechanism of Myocardial Fibrosis Induced by Mitral Valve Prolapse
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10890967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how mitral valve prolapse affects heart tissue and can lead to scarring in the heart, using a special sheep model to see how the condition impacts the heart over time, which is important for understanding the risks of serious heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,862,169 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173930-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, particularly those experiencing ventricular arrhythmias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mitral valve prolapse or those with severe mitral regurgitation requiring surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mitral valve prolapse (MVP) leads to changes in heart tissue, specifically focusing on the development of fibrosis in the left ventricle. By creating a unique surgical model in sheep, the study aims to isolate the mechanical forces caused by MVP and observe their effects on heart tissue over time. The researchers will measure how these forces contribute to fibrosis and the risk of dangerous heart rhythms, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. This work seeks to fill a significant gap in understanding the relationship between MVP and heart complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with mitral valve prolapse and reduce the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the mechanics of heart conditions, but this specific approach using a surgical model in sheep is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levine, Robert a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Levine, Robert a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Interface between immune cells and scarring in the eye
This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
-
How often to treat schistosomiasis to protect the liver
A randomized trial will test different frequencies ofPraziquantel treatment to prevent liver damage in people aged 15–40 with schistosomiasis in Uganda.
-
Metabolic changes in cells that repair blood vessels in the eye lens to prevent scarring
A drug or approach that changes how certain cells that repair blood vessels in the eye work, to prevent scarring behind the retina in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This project studies heart tissue changes in women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who are on antiretroviral therapy, to understand why they’re at higher risk for heart problems as they age.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This grant studies heart tissue changes in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa to understand why heart failure risk is higher in this group.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
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.