Early heart relaxation problems in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and new treatment targets
Early Onset Diastolic Dysfunction in HCM: Identifying New Mechanisms and Targets
This project looks for what causes early problems with heart relaxation in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy so new treatments can be developed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248009 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers plan to pinpoint how genetic changes in heart muscle proteins (the sarcomere) lead to early diastolic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. They will combine laboratory studies on cells and animal models with detailed biophysical tests and comparisons to patient data and samples. The team aims to identify the specific molecular steps that cause the heart to stiffen before irreversible remodeling occurs. Those findings will guide the search for drug targets to prevent or reverse early symptoms like breathlessness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Best suited for people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, especially those carrying sarcomere gene mutations or with early signs of impaired heart relaxation.
Not a fit: People without HCM or those with advanced, irreversible heart remodeling are unlikely to benefit directly from this work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify treatments that prevent or reduce early heart stiffness and breathlessness in people with HCM.
How similar studies have performed: Related work on sarcomere-targeting drugs (for example, myosin inhibitors) has helped some HCM patients, but focusing on the earliest causes of diastolic dysfunction is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tardiff, Jil C — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Tardiff, Jil C
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.