How mechanical stress affects the heart's microtubule network
Mechanical Stress-Dependent Remodeling of the Cardiac Microtubule Network
This study looks at how pressure on heart cells affects their tiny support structures, called microtubules, which are important for keeping your heart working well, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with heart failure feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10825621 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mechanical stress influences the microtubule network in heart cells, which is crucial for heart function. It aims to understand the relationship between microtubule stiffness and heart failure, particularly how changes in this network can lead to impaired heart relaxation and contraction. By exploring the mechanisms behind microtubule remodeling, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve heart function in patients with heart failure. The approach includes laboratory experiments that simulate mechanical stress on heart cells to observe changes in their microtubule structure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure who experience issues with heart relaxation and contraction.
Not a fit: Patients without heart failure or those with other unrelated cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function and quality of life for patients with heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cytoskeletal components for therapeutic interventions in heart failure, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Margulies, Kenneth Ber — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Margulies, Kenneth Ber
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.