Carbonic Anhydrase as a Heart-Protective Target During Anthracycline Chemotherapy
Official title: Carbonic Anhydrase as a Cardioprotective Target in Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11405058 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to protect the heart of breast cancer patients who receive anthracycline chemotherapy by studying a specific enzyme, Carbonic Anhydrase XII, to prevent cardiotoxicity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $541,272 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL180515-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405058 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy, particularly those at risk for cardiotoxicity, who could contribute biological samples or participate in related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving anthracycline-based therapy or without cardiotoxicity risk may not directly benefit from this specific mechanism.
What this research studies
This project uses human heart cell models created from patient-derived cells to study how doxorubicin damages the heart. Researchers will use CRISPR-based tools to turn genes on or off in these heart cells to see if inhibiting Carbonic Anhydrase XII reduces heart injury. The work seeks to uncover the molecular pathways behind chemotherapy-related heart damage and identify targets that can shield the heart without hurting cancer treatment. Findings could guide safer chemotherapy and future therapies for survivors. The study is conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin under the leadership of Chun Liu, focusing on translating lab discoveries to patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better protective strategies against chemotherapy-related heart damage for people with breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with iCMs and gene screens has shown that targeting related pathways can modulate cardiotoxic responses, but CA12 involvement is a newer, promising avenue.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Chun — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Liu, Chun
Related research
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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.