# Multi-scale Investigation of Sex Differences in Right Ventricular Function via Estrogen-Microtubule Interactions

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2024 · $596,499

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lethal disease with a median survival of only 5-7 years.
Pathophysiologically, PAH is a progressive vasculopathy of the precapillary pulmonary vessels that increases
pulmonary arterial pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance while reducing pulmonary arterial compliance.
The changes in the pulmonary vasculature augment the work load of the right ventricle, which ultimately results
in right ventricular dysfunction (RVD). The presence of RVD is the greatest risk factor for death in PAH;
however, no current PAH therapies actually target the RV directly. In this proposal, we will investigate the
hypothesis that sex-differences in RV function in PAH are in-part mediated by an inhibitory action of estrogen
on microtubule dynamics. We will employ state of the art microscopy and computational analysis to define how
estrogen regulates microtubules. Then, in translational studies we will determine modulation of the estrogen-
microtubule interaction impacts right ventricular function in pre-clinical PAH using advanced hemodynamics
and molecular phenotyping of the RV microtubule cytoskeleton.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10824431
- **Project number:** 5R01HL158795-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** Kurt W Prins
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $596,499
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-05-01 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10824431

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10824431, Multi-scale Investigation of Sex Differences in Right Ventricular Function via Estrogen-Microtubule Interactions (5R01HL158795-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10824431. Licensed CC0.

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