Why the heart enlarges with mitral valve leakage (mitral regurgitation)
Mechanism of Eccentric Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Secondary to Mitral Regurgitation
This project looks at how leaking of the mitral valve causes heart muscle cells to stretch and the left ventricle to enlarge in adults with mitral regurgitation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work aims to explain the molecular steps that make the heart remodel and enlarge when the mitral valve leaks. The team will use laboratory and animal models and molecular analyses to trace how cardiac muscle cells change shape and size, with a focus on the ATM protein's role. They will examine heart tissue, cell signaling, and structural changes to connect valve leakage to the eccentric hypertrophy that leads to heart failure. The findings are intended to point to molecular targets for future therapies or tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation or related left ventricular enlargement would be the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: People without mitral valve leakage, pediatric patients, or those whose heart failure is due to unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify molecular targets that help prevent or slow heart weakening in people with mitral regurgitation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior large-animal and some rat models have explored mitral regurgitation, but robust mouse models and targeted molecular work on ATM in this setting are limited and relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drakos, Stavros George — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Drakos, Stavros George
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 below.