# Mentoring in Patient-Oriented and Translational HFpEF Research

> **NIH NIH K24** · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $121,948

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem worldwide, and half of patients presenting with HF have
preserved (HFpEF), rather than reduced ejection fraction. However, HFpEF remains a therapeutic challenge,
given current limited understanding of causal and contributing factors, and clinical heterogeneity within HFpEF
subphenotypes. The central goal of the candidate's research work is to use clinical and translational research
approaches to better understand mechanisms and contributors to human HFpEF and its subphenotypes. One
focus in the laboratory has been to study the role of obesity, which is thought to induce a systemic pro-
inflammatory state that, in turn, drives cardiovascular dysfunction and remodeling leading to HFpEF.
 The candidate is a heart failure cardiologist with a research focus on HFpEF and a long-standing track
record of successful mentoring. Current work includes a multi-cohort effort to examine upstream regulators of
systemic inflammation in HFpEF. This is complemented by a prospective ongoing study examining the role of
obesity and insulin-resistance in HFpEF-associated pulmonary hypertension. The overarching goals of this
proposal are to provide the candidate with the crucial long-term support to enable the ongoing reduction from
clinical and administrative commitments, and to expand training opportunities for mentees interested in clinical
and translational patient-oriented heart failure research. This application will support the candidate in creating
unique training opportunities by leveraging ongoing funded efforts to enable new patient-oriented studies led
by mentees. In Aim 1, we will investigate sex differences in inflammatory profiles in HFpEF in order to better
understand why men and women with HFpEF display distinct disease phenotypes. In Aim 2, we will examine
obesity and metabolic dysfunction as determinants of right ventricular function, an important predictor of
outcomes in HFpEF. These research opportunities within the candidate's multidisciplinary research program,
coupled with a vibrant scientific community and extensive educational resources at Massachusetts General
Hospital and Harvard University will create an unparalleled environment for trainees pursuing a career in
patient-oriented research. Ultimately, we hope this proposal will support the development and mentoring of
new clinical investigators in heart failure research, and lay the foundation for future investigations focused on
disease prevention and optimal therapies in HFpEF.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10437728
- **Project number:** 5K24HL153669-04
- **Recipient organization:** BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer E Ho
- **Activity code:** K24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $121,948
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10437728

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10437728, Mentoring in Patient-Oriented and Translational HFpEF Research (5K24HL153669-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10437728. Licensed CC0.

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