Y Chromosome Loss in Blood and Heart Health
Mosaic loss of Y chromosome in blood and heart failure
This research explores how losing the Y chromosome in blood cells might affect heart health as people get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As we age, changes in our DNA can build up in blood cells, and one common change is the loss of the Y chromosome in some blood cells, known as mLoY. While mLoY has been linked to various age-related diseases and overall health, we don't yet know if it directly causes heart problems. This project uses animal models to understand if mLoY plays a role in heart failure and how it might do so.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve human participants, but future studies based on these findings might focus on older men with heart failure or those at risk.
Not a fit: Patients who are not male or whose heart failure is clearly linked to other known causes may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a new cause for heart failure in men, potentially leading to new ways to prevent or treat the condition.
How similar studies have performed: While mLoY has been observed in epidemiological studies, its direct causal link to cardiovascular disease and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Kenneth — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Kenneth
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.