AAV-based therapy to help TNNT2-related heart disease
Official title: AAV therapies for TNNT2-associated cardiac disorders
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11396543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new gene-delivery approach using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) aims to restore healthy TNNT2 function in people with certain inherited heart muscle diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $599,774 |
| NIH project number | 5R61HL181756-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy caused by pathogenic TNNT2 variants may be eligible in future trial stages.
✕Less likely to help
No immediate benefit is expected for people without TNNT2-related heart disease or those not suitable for AAV-based therapy in early development.
What this research studies
This project focuses on delivering healthy TNNT2 gene product to heart cells using AAVs, with the goal of correcting the faulty calcium signaling that drives hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies. Researchers have shown in mice that these AAVs can prevent disease progression and reduce harmful effects when combined with mutant mRNA suppression. The work will optimize and screen next-generation AAVs to identify a lead candidate that could move toward clinical testing. If successful, the therapy could offer a targeted option for patients with TNNT2-related heart conditions. Participation would be rooted in future clinical translation steps, starting from preclinical to early human testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A lead AAV therapy could become a targeted treatment for TNNT2-related cardiomyopathy, potentially improving heart function and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical results in mice are promising, but human studies are not yet completed; this is an early, exploratory preclinical step.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hinson, John Travis — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Hinson, John Travis
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.