How fatty attachments on heart proteins change inflammation and harmful heart remodeling
S-acylation-dependent regulation of cytokine receptor signaling and cardiac maladaptation
This project looks at whether adding fatty acids to certain heart proteins alters inflammatory signals that can make heart disease worse in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238093 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study heart cells and mouse hearts to see how S-acylation (adding fatty acids to proteins) changes the Jak-Stat signaling that links inflammation to harmful heart remodeling. They will use proteomics to find which proteins are modified, focus on enzymes that add these fatty acids (zDHHCs), and manipulate those enzymes in genetically modified mice. The team will measure heart structure and function after stress, and track inflammation, scarring, and cell survival in heart tissue. The work aims to map the molecular steps so future treatments can target these fatty-acid protein switches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with heart disease or those at high risk for heart failure (for example after a heart attack or with long-standing high blood pressure) are the patients most likely to benefit from the findings.
Not a fit: People with heart conditions not driven by cytokine-related inflammation, many congenital heart problems, or children are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new drug targets to prevent or slow harmful heart remodeling and heart failure after injury or high blood pressure.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting phosphorylation in heart signaling is well established, but studying S-acylation in heart disease is relatively new and largely preclinical, with early animal and molecular data suggesting promising leads rather than proven therapies.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brody, Matthew Jacob — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Brody, Matthew Jacob
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.