Blocking the TPr receptor to protect the heart in muscular dystrophy
Activity and therapeutic antagonism of the TP receptor in cardiomyopathy of muscular dystrophy
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11112445
Looks at whether blocking a heart receptor called TPr can reduce scarring and delay heart failure in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11112445 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses mouse models of Duchenne and lab-grown heart fibroblast cells to understand how activation of the thromboxane‑prostanoid receptor (TPr) leads to release of TGF‑β and heart scarring. Researchers will block or delete TPr in genetically relevant mouse models (mdx/utrn(+/-) and mdx with LTBP4 variants) and study isolated cardiac fibroblasts to trace the molecular steps that cause fibrosis. The team builds on earlier mouse studies showing that the TPr blocker ifetroban improved survival, heart function, and reduced fibrosis. Findings are intended to link the lab mechanism to ongoing clinical efforts testing ifetroban in people with DMD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, especially those with early signs of cardiomyopathy or at risk for DMD‑related heart disease, would be the main population relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without muscular dystrophy or those with other forms of heart disease are unlikely to benefit directly from this research, and patients with very advanced, irreversible heart failure may not gain benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to treatments that reduce heart fibrosis and preserve heart function in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies showed that blocking TPr with ifetroban improved survival, heart function, and reduced fibrosis, and a Phase 2 trial of ifetroban in DMD patients is currently recruiting.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WEST, JAMES D — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: WEST, JAMES D
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 below.