Aortic valve calcification affects millions of older adults, causing the valve to harden and narrow, leading to heart failure and death without treatment. Researcher Dunpeng Cai discovered patients with the disease have elevated DOCK2 protein levels; the grant will test if blocking DOCK2 can slow or reverse calcium buildup.
Mizzou researchers pursue first drug treatment for aortic valve calcification
Millions of patients with aortic valve calcification experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart failure, with limited treatment options currently available.