How abnormal breakdown products of certain amino acids affect the heart
Mechanisms Connecting Dysregulated Branched-Chain Alpha-Ketoacid Metabolism to Cardiac Dysfunction
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11112378
This project looks at whether high levels of branched-chain amino acid breakdown products contribute to heart problems in people with diabetes and related metabolic conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11112378 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will use new animal models that change how branched-chain amino acids are processed, especially in the liver, to observe effects on the heart. They will manipulate the enzymes BDK and PPM1K in specific tissues and measure cardiac structure, function, and metabolism. The team will study signaling pathways triggered by the amino acid breakdown products (BCKA) and follow the effects of chronic exposure on heart health. The aim is to determine whether liver-driven changes or heart-specific changes drive the cardiac problems seen with diabetes and related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes or other cardiometabolic conditions who have or are at risk for heart dysfunction would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without metabolic disease, or those whose heart disease is caused by unrelated genetic or structural conditions, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect the heart in people with diabetes by targeting BCKA-related pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies that changed BDK and PPM1K activity have altered cardiac metabolism and function, but this project is novel in separating liver-specific from heart-specific effects.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MCGARRAH, ROBERT WALKER — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MCGARRAH, ROBERT WALKER
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiometabolic Disease, Cardiometabolic Disorder