Exploring a protein's role in heart failure treatment
Official title: Investigating Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 as a blood pressure-independent protein kinase G1 effector in heart failure
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-11074140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MLK3 affects heart failure and works with another important protein to help improve heart function, which could lead to better treatments for people with heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $759,586 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162919-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074140 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart failure who do not have reduced ejection fraction or those with other unrelated heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) in heart failure, particularly how it interacts with a protein called PKG1α that is crucial for heart function. The study aims to understand how this interaction affects heart muscle cells and blood pressure regulation, which could lead to new treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. By identifying how MLK3 contributes to the effectiveness of existing heart failure medications, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes and address limitations of current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for heart failure, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting PKG1α in heart failure treatment, indicating potential for success in this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanton, Robert Morris — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Blanton, Robert Morris
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.