How mechanical stress interacts with MYBPC3 gene changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Biomaterial Platforms to Model the Role of Mechanical Overload in MYBPC3-Linked Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11166519
Looks at whether extra mechanical stress on the heart makes people with MYBPC3 gene changes develop or keep hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, using tiny lab-grown human heart tissues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166519 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses small human 'micro-heart' tissues grown from induced pluripotent stem cells that carry MYBPC3 gene changes to mimic patient hearts. Researchers apply controlled levels of stretch and pressure to these tissues and measure changes in structure, contractile function, and gene activity over time. They compare tissues with and without MYBPC3 mutations to see whether mutations change how much stress causes lasting thickening and whether lowering stress can reverse it. The goal is to connect mechanical load with the molecular signals that drive hypertrophic remodeling in MYBPC3-linked HCM.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who carry MYBPC3 gene mutations or have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy linked to MYBPC3 would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People whose heart thickening is caused by other genes or non-genetic factors, or those needing urgent clinical treatment, are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help explain why some people with MYBPC3 mutations develop HCM and guide better ways to prevent or reverse harmful heart thickening.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical and animal studies suggest mechanical stress affects hypertrophy, but using human stem-cell micro-heart models to map these effects is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUEBSCH, NATHANIEL — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HUEBSCH, NATHANIEL
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.