Adjusting a heart protein (troponin T) to help hearts with heart failure

Targeting Troponin T Regulation to Sustain Cardiac Function in Heart Failure

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11130236

This project sees if changing a heart protein called troponin T can help people with heart failure keep their hearts pumping more efficiently.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11130236 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would be hearing about lab work that examines a natural small change to the troponin T protein and how that change slows and stretches the heart’s squeeze in a helpful way. The team will look at heart muscle fibers, cells, and model systems to map the molecular steps behind this effect and how the truncated form of troponin T alters contraction timing. They will test whether mimicking or promoting this change can protect the heart during stress without increasing peak pressure. The findings are meant to point toward new treatments that preserve pumping function in failing hearts.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with heart failure involving weak heart muscle or pressure-overload conditions would be the most likely candidates for future therapies based on this work.

Not a fit: Patients whose problems are primarily due to non-contractile issues (such as some valve diseases, electrical arrhythmias) or who have irreversible end-stage damage may not benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If this approach works, it could lead to therapies that help failing hearts pump more efficiently and preserve function without raising damaging pressure.

How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have shown that changing troponin function can alter contraction, but turning this mechanism into safe human treatments is still early and not yet proven.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.