Boosting heart cell energy to slow heart aging
Mitochondrial NAD+ Metabolism in Cardiac Aging
This research is testing whether raising mitochondrial NAD+ in heart cells can help older hearts stay stronger and work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251644 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use newly developed genetic tools in mice to increase or decrease a mitochondrial NAD+ transporter called SLC25A51 specifically in heart cells. They will measure mitochondrial NAD+ levels, cellular energy, protein changes, and heart function as animals age to see how changing mtNAD+ affects cardiac aging. Results will help determine whether restoring mitochondrial NAD+ delivery could guide future treatments to protect aging human hearts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future human trials would be older adults with age-related decline in heart function or early-stage heart failure linked to aging.
Not a fit: People whose heart problems come from unrelated genetic disorders, infections, or acute injuries may not benefit from mitochondrial NAD+-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to keep aging hearts energized and lower the risk of age-related heart failure, potentially leading to drugs or gene-based therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Other animal studies and some early human trials of NAD+ boosters have shown promise for aging and metabolism, but directly targeting the mitochondrial NAD+ transporter SLC25A51 is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiao, Ying Ann — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Chiao, Ying Ann
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.