Texas Researcher Among Recipients of Prestigious Jack Sarver Prize for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Research

The American Heart Association will award the inaugural Jack Sarver Prize in Clinical Science to Zainab Mahmoud, M.D., M.Sc., of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Jack Sarver Prize in Basic Science to Zhao Zhang, Ph.D., of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas during the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025. These prestigious awards recognize groundbreaking research addressing fundamental challenges in cardiovascular disease prevention across different populations and biological mechanisms.

Dr. Zhang's basic science research employed a forward genetic screen to identify HELZ2 as a central regulator of APOB mRNA stability, establishing a molecular link between hepatic steatosis and atherosclerosis. His work reveals how genetic factors influence apolipoprotein B, a key protein in lipid transport, and its connection to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and arterial plaque buildup. The discovery of this rare dominant mutation points to HELZ2 protein as a potential therapeutic target for addressing both conditions simultaneously.

Dr. Mahmoud's research focuses on aspirin prophylaxis for preeclampsia prevention in Nigeria, where maternal mortality rates are among the highest globally. Her mixed methods study identified critical barriers to implementing this evidence-based intervention, including poor dissemination of guidelines, limited provider and patient awareness, delayed prenatal care, and cost considerations. The research demonstrates that addressing these obstacles could significantly reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in high-burden settings like Nigeria and similar regions worldwide.

The Jack Sarver Prizes were established through a gift to the American Heart Association honoring Jack Sarver, who died of heart disease in 1979 at age 58. The Sarver family's multi-generational struggle with heart disease has motivated their commitment to ending what they describe as the heritage of heart disease. The awards will be presented during dinner events of the Council on Clinical Cardiology and the Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences on November 8, 2025, during the Scientific Sessions meeting in New Orleans.

Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, emphasized that both researchers' work aligns with the foundation of the award by focusing on cardiovascular disease prevention to improve lives across generations. The research embodies the American Heart Association's mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. Established investigators interested in future award cycles can find details at https://professional.heart.org/en/partners/membership-awards-grants/awards, with submissions opening in spring 2026 and potential awards exceeding $35,000 to support scientific research careers.