Heart cell glutamine production in heart failure
Metabolic pathways in cardiac physiology and heart failure
Researchers are testing whether blocking heart muscle cells from making extra glutamine can reduce scarring and help people with heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at why failing hearts release high levels of glutamine and whether glutamine made by heart muscle cells drives scarring. Investigators use genetically modified mice whose heart cells cannot make glutamine and apply pressure overload to the heart to see how scarring and function change. They compare mouse findings with metabolite data and tissue samples from people with heart failure to link the animal results to human disease. The team also examines effects on cell energy, mitochondria, and the activation of fibroblasts that create fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with heart failure—especially those with pressure-overload causes (for example from high blood pressure or valve disease) or signs of cardiac fibrosis—are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without heart failure or whose heart problems are unrelated to fibrosis or glutamine metabolism are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce cardiac fibrosis and improve heart function in people with heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior metabolomics studies have found altered glutamine in failing human hearts and animal work links glutamine metabolism to fibrosis, but targeting cardiomyocyte glutamine production is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elrod, John William — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Elrod, John William
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.