How heart tissue changes in stiffness affects heart cell function in cardiomyopathy
Official title: Cardiomyopathy-induced changes in myocardial viscoelasticity and its effects on cell phenotype
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11058801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stiffening of heart tissue, which can happen with certain heart conditions, affects how heart cells work, with the goal of finding new ways to help treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL173827-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of heart disease unrelated to cardiomyopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in the stiffness of heart tissue, caused by conditions like hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, affect the function of heart cells. The study focuses on the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which is the supportive framework of tissues, and how this remodeling alters the mechanical properties of the heart. By examining how these changes influence heart cell behavior, the research aims to uncover critical insights into disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating cardiomyopathy by targeting the mechanical properties of heart tissue.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on myocardial viscoelasticity in cardiomyopathy is relatively novel, similar approaches in other tissues have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stowers, Ryan — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Stowers, Ryan
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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.