In a groundbreaking moment for cardiovascular research, two emerging scientists have been honored with the inaugural Jack Sarver Prizes in Clinical and Basic Science. The awards, presented by the American Heart Association (AHA) during their 2025 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, mark a significant recognition of innovative research aimed at combating heart disease globally. These prizes, established to honor the legacy of Jack Sarver—a man whose family endured generations of heart disease—symbolize a beacon of hope for breakthroughs that may one day eradicate inherited cardiovascular conditions.
Dr. Zainab Mahmoud, an assistant professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, received the Jack Sarver Prize in Clinical Science. Her award-winning research titled “Aspirin Prophylaxis for Preeclampsia Prevention in Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study” confronts a pressing maternal health crisis. Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, is a leading contributor to maternal mortality worldwide, extraordinarily prevalent in Nigeria where childbirth-associated deaths outnumber any other country. Dr. Mahmoud’s study meticulously investigated aspirin use among at-risk pregnant women and identified significant barriers impeding its effective implementation. These barriers include inadequate dissemination of clinical guidelines, deficiency in provider and patient education, late prenatal visits, and cost constraints. Her findings articulate the potential of low-cost, evidence-based aspirin prophylaxis to dramatically reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Conversely, Dr. Zhao Zhang of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas was awarded the Jack Sarver Prize in Basic Science for his cutting-edge work on the genetic underpinnings of lipid metabolism, encapsulated in his study “Forward Genetic Screen Identifies HELZ2 as a Central Regulator of APOB mRNA Stability Linking Hepatic Steatosis and Atherosclerosis.” Dr. Zhang’s research delves deep into the molecular biology of apolipoprotein B (APOB), a crucial protein responsible for transporting lipids through the bloodstream. By employing a forward genetics approach in murine models, his team uncovered a rare, dominant mutation affecting HELZ2, a protein now implicated in the regulation of APOB mRNA stability. This discovery positions HELZ2 as a critical nexus between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation leading to inflammation and liver damage—and the genesis of atherosclerosis, the arterial plaque buildup that precipitates cardiovascular events.
This dual recognition celebrates not only the importance of translational research bridging bench discoveries to bedside interventions but also highlights the utility of genetics-driven methodologies in unraveling complex cardiometabolic diseases. Dr. Mahmoud’s work exemplifies the indispensable need to design culturally appropriate and scalable interventions capable of addressing health disparities in vulnerable populations. By contrast, Dr. Zhang’s study sheds light on fundamental cellular mechanisms with wide-reaching implications for developing novel therapeutics targeting metabolic and vascular diseases at their molecular roots.
The American Heart Association, represented by its volunteer president Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, emphasized the critical role these researchers play in forwarding the organization’s mission. Their efforts symbolize a relentless commitment to reducing cardiovascular disease through innovative research and equitable healthcare solutions. The Sarver family’s tragedy in facing heart disease underpins the emotional gravity and societal importance of these awards, which aspire to motivate continued scientific inquiry for generational change.
Dr. Mahmoud’s extensive academic background, straddling continents and disciplines, uniquely positions her to address global health challenges. With credentials from renowned institutions such as Trinity College Dublin and Imperial College London, complemented by clinical training at Pennsylvania Hospital and Washington University, she integrates clinical expertise with public health policy to pioneer cardio-obstetric care advancements. Her techniques blend qualitative and quantitative data, embodying an interdisciplinary approach crucial for tackling multifaceted health issues like preeclampsia.
Similarly, Dr. Zhang’s path reflects a rigorous scientific foundation honed through a Ph.D. in developmental biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and postdoctoral training under Nobel Laureate Dr. Bruce Beutler. His investigative strategy employs a phenotype-first screening technique—starting with observable traits in genetically altered mouse populations to trace back to causative genetic variants. This methodology is pivotal for dissecting the complex gene-environment interactions influencing cardiometabolic diseases and offers a roadmap for precision medicine efforts.
Together, these young scientists exemplify the evolving landscape of cardiovascular research, where clinical insights and molecular biology interlace to foster innovation. These awards, carrying monetary support exceeding $35,000 for continued research, not only recognize past achievements but also invest in the future capacity of investigators to generate transformative knowledge. The AHA encourages submissions for the next award cycle, anticipating submissions that push the boundaries of cardiovascular science and patient care.
Both studies underscore the critical importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors through tailored approaches—from implementing accessible prevention strategies in under-resourced clinical settings to elucidating genetic mechanisms that could unlock targeted therapies. Such progress is essential to combat the global burden of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.
The presentation of the Jack Sarver Prizes during the AHA’s 2025 Scientific Sessions highlights the intersection of basic science and clinical research in fostering breakthroughs that resonate across populations. These awards reiterate that a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular disease requires both the unraveling of molecular pathologies and the validation of pragmatic interventions in diverse communities. The ultimate goal remains clear: to diminish morbidity and mortality associated with heart disease and to promote longer, healthier lives for individuals around the world.
As cardiovascular scientists worldwide convene at the American Heart Association’s flagship event, the achievements of Dr. Mahmoud and Dr. Zhang will serve as inspiration for a new generation of researchers. Their pioneering contributions not only honor the Sarver family’s courageous fight against heart disease but also propel the scientific community closer to novel solutions that address the persistent challenges facing cardiovascular health.
Subject of Research:
Cardiovascular disease prevention, maternal health in low-resource settings, genetic regulation of lipid metabolism, molecular mechanisms linking liver disease and atherosclerosis.
Article Title:
Inaugural Jack Sarver Prize Awards Celebrate Innovative Cardiovascular Research Bridging Global Health and Molecular Genetics
News Publication Date:
October 23, 2025
Web References:
https://professional.heart.org/en/professional-membership/awards-and-lectures/the-jack-sarver-prize-in-clinical-science
https://professional.heart.org/en/professional-membership/awards-and-lectures/the-jack-sarver-prize-in-basic-science
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/inaugural-jack-sarver-prize-honors-groundbreaking-research-by-st-louis-dallas-scientists?preview=5b8ab674f425bbf0f22884ebfe7ea67c
https://www.ahajournals.org/wenger-award
Keywords:
Cardiovascular disorders, Research impact, Clinical science, Basic science, Preeclampsia, Aspirin prophylaxis, Lipid metabolism, Apolipoprotein B, HELZ2 protein, Hepatic steatosis, Atherosclerosis, Genetic screening, Cardiometabolic disease, Health disparities, Translational research.
