How mechanical load affects heart function and diseases
Official title: Mechanical Load Effects on Cardiac Function and Heart Diseases
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11045773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the pressure and strain on heart muscle cells affect their function, which could help us understand and treat heart problems like arrhythmias and heart failure better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $998,795 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL166575-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from heart diseases, particularly those with arrhythmias or heart failure related to mechanical overload.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without any heart disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mechanical load influences the function of heart muscle cells, known as cardiomyocytes, and its implications for heart diseases like arrhythmias and heart failure. By developing a novel technology to apply mechanical load at the single-cell level, the study aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms that allow cardiomyocytes to adapt to changes in load during each heartbeat. The research will explore the feedback loops involved in the excitation-contraction coupling process, which is crucial for maintaining proper heart function. Ultimately, this work seeks to fill existing knowledge gaps and improve therapeutic strategies for heart conditions related to mechanical stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for heart diseases that arise from mechanical stress, potentially improving outcomes for patients with conditions like heart failure and arrhythmias.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of studying mechanical load effects on cardiomyocytes is innovative, previous research has shown promise in understanding cellular responses to mechanical stress, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen-Izu, Ye — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Chen-Izu, Ye
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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.