Understanding how aging affects aortic valve disease
Official title: Engineered models of age-related biochemical, biophysical, and hormonal changes to elucidate mechanisms of aortic valve disease onset
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11003747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how age and gender affect aortic valve disease, which is common in older adults, by creating models to see how heart valves change as we get older, so we can better understand why aging is a big risk factor and how it impacts men and women differently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $439,106 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172046-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those at risk for aortic valve disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without risk factors for aortic valve disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind aortic valve disease, particularly how age and sex differences influence its onset. By creating engineered models that mimic age-related changes, the study aims to explore the structural and functional alterations in heart valves as people age. The research will utilize in vitro approaches to better understand the biological questions surrounding this condition, which is prevalent in older adults. The goal is to identify why aging is a significant risk factor and how it differs between men and women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for aortic valve disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research specifically mimicking age-related changes in aortic valve disease, similar approaches in other age-related conditions have shown promise.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Masters, Kristyn S — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Masters, Kristyn S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
GATA4's role in why some hearts are born with two valve cusps
A study in mice and human genetics will look at how a specific GATA4 gene change leads to bicuspid aortic valve and related heart problems.
-
AI-guided prediction of aortic valve disease progression using CT scans
A patient-friendly AI tool analyzes CT angiography data to predict how quickly aortic valve disease may advance and the risk of complications after valve replacement.
-
Small molecule therapy for calcific aortic valve disease
A new drug candidate is being studied to slow or stop calcification of the aortic valve in adults with valve disease.
-
Understanding and treating congenital aortic valve problems
This project develops medicines targeting the genetic and molecular causes of malformed aortic valves to help people born with bicuspid or other congenital valve problems avoid or delay surgery.
-
Understanding why some people with calcific aortic valve disease develop atherogenic vs non-atherogenic patterns
This NIH-funded project explores why some people with aortic valve disease have accompanying atherosclerosis while others do not, using human genetics, proteomics, and imaging data to uncover differences that could lead to better treatments.
-
Lab-grown models of how aging and sex affect aortic valve narrowing
Researchers will build lab-grown heart valve models that mimic aging and male/female differences to learn why older adults develop aortic valve narrowing.
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.