CVI News: Robert J. Levy, MD, Received CAROL Act Program Grant Support

Principal Investigator Robert J. Levy, MD, received supplemental grant support beginning Sept. 1, 2023 from the NHLBI-funded Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act Program for his collaborative NIH research program studying serotonin mechanisms responsible for the progression of mitral valve regurgitation (R01HL131872).

Dr. Levy's CAROL Act program investigates novel directions related to heart valve leaflet biomechanics and how these influence the progression of mitral valve disease through serotonin receptor signaling mechanisms. Specifically, these studies examine how increased 5HT receptor (HTR) signaling triggered by activation of the mechanically sensitive Ca++ channel, Piezo1 influences progression of mitral regurgitation.

Collaborators include Co-PIs Giovanni Ferrari, PhD, Columbia University, and Liming Pei, PhD, CHOP.

The CAROL Act provides support for the innovative research that is necessary to put high-risk patients on a path to living long and healthy lives. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced this legislation in the House to honor his wife, Carol Leavell Barr, who passed away from sudden cardiac death brought on by mitral valve prolapse. The CAROL passed with a unanimous vote of the U.S. House and Senate and was signed into law by President Biden in December 2022.

The CAROL Act was endorsed by the following organizations: Women Heart, American College of Cardiology Health Affairs Committee, American Heart Association, Adult Congenital Heart Association, the Alliance for Aging Research, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, American College of Emergency Physicians, Association of Black Cardiologists, CardioVisual, Caregiver Action Network, Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation, HealthyWomen, Heart Valve Voice US, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, Medical Management Associates, Inc., Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, Society for Women's Health Research, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, StopAfib.org, American Foundation for Women's Health, Sustainable Cardiovascular Health Equity Development Alliance, The Marfan Foundation, The Mended Hearts, Inc., and Women First Research Coalition.