How MDM2 and HIF signals drive harmful thickening of the left heart
MDM2-HIF signaling in pathological ventricular remodeling
Researchers are looking at how two cell signals, MDM2 and HIF, cause harmful thickening and scarring of the left heart in adults with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314472 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models that carry the same sarcomere gene changes seen in people with left ventricular hypertrophy to mirror human disease. The team will study heart muscle cells and neighboring cells to track abnormal cell-cycle activity, DNA damage responses, and signaling through MDM2 and HIF pathways. They will examine how these changes alter the heart tissue environment and lead to scarring and dysfunction that can progress to heart failure. Results will be compared to known human disease mechanisms to help guide future patient-focused treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with left ventricular hypertrophy or known sarcomere gene mutations (for example MYBPC3) would be the most relevant patient group for future trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: People without left ventricular hypertrophy or with heart disease caused by unrelated mechanisms may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal molecular targets to prevent or reverse pathological left ventricular thickening and lower the risk of heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies have linked cardiomyocyte cell-cycle dysregulation and DNA damage to hypertrophy, but targeting MDM2-HIF signaling specifically is relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Becker, Jason — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Becker, Jason
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.