How a signaling enzyme controls heart adrenaline (beta) receptors

Novel regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor function by phosphoinositide 3-kinase

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11239004

This project looks at how a protein called PI3K changes the behavior of heart adrenaline (beta) receptors and how that may affect people with heart failure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11239004 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient's view, researchers are studying why heart adrenaline receptors stop working properly in heart failure and how a protein called PI3K alters a regulator (I2PP2A) of the phosphatase PP2A that normally restores those receptors. They will examine human heart tissue changes seen in people with heart failure and perform experiments in mice that mimic pressure-overload heart failure. The team uses molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetically modified mouse models to see whether blocking the harmful modification preserves receptor function and improves heart pumping. Findings will guide whether restoring this receptor resensitization could be a target for future treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with diagnosed heart failure or people undergoing heart surgery who can donate tissue would be the most relevant candidates for related human studies.

Not a fit: People without heart failure or whose condition is unrelated to beta-adrenergic receptor dysfunction are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that restore heart adrenaline receptor function and improve outcomes in people with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies support kinase and phosphatase control of beta receptors, and the specific PI3K–I2PP2A pathway is a newer finding with encouraging preclinical evidence.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.