DTX3L in Sepsis: Protecting the heart and metabolism with gene editing
Official title: Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3L: A novel mechanism and protective approach in sepsis
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11428083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how a muscle protein called DTX3L affects heart function and insulin resistance during severe infection (sepsis) and whether targeting it could help people with sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $712,858 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL187387-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with sepsis or septic complications could potentially benefit from future therapies targeting DTX3L/HDAC4 pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without septic complications or without future DTX3L-targeted therapies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how the muscle-specific protein DTX3L influences septic heart dysfunction and septic insulin resistance. Researchers will explore the relationship between DTX3L and the HDAC4 protein in cardiac muscle and whether DTX3L controls the degradation of HDAC4 to protect the heart and metabolism during sepsis. The study uses CRISPR-based approaches to manipulate DTX3L in muscle tissue and examine downstream effects on inflammation, cardiac function, and insulin signaling. Outcomes could identify a mechanism-based target for therapies to reduce organ failure and mortality in sepsis. The work is conducted at Rhode Island Hospital, led by Ting C. Zhao, with relevance to patients affected by severe infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, mechanism-guided treatments that protect the heart and improve insulin response in people with sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows DTX3L involvement in inflammation and muscle signaling, but this specific role in septic cardiac dysfunction and insulin resistance is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Ting C — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Ting C
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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.