How mitochondrial stress in heart cells harms the heart
Delineate the Pathophysiological Effect of Cardiomyocyte-specific Mitochondrial Stress
Using a light-activated tool that targets mitochondria inside heart cells, researchers hope to learn how mitochondrial stress leads to heart failure in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112382 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using a novel light-driven technique called mLumOpto that produces tiny bursts of bioluminescent light inside heart cells to selectively disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential. They will combine experiments in lab-grown human-like heart cells and animal models with gene-delivery tools such as AAV and CRISPR to change mitochondrial function specifically in cardiomyocytes. By tracking effects on cellular energy, contraction strength, and heart rhythm, the team aims to map how mitochondrial damage produces the hallmarks of heart failure. Although this work is largely preclinical, it focuses on mechanisms relevant to human heart failure and could point to targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to adults with heart failure or adults at high risk of developing heart failure who are interested in mitochondrial-focused advances.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cardiac or mitochondrial dysfunction should not expect direct benefit from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify new targets to protect or restore mitochondrial function and help prevent or treat heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked mitochondrial problems to heart failure but mitochondrial-targeted treatments have not yet succeeded in patients, and the mLumOpto light-based approach is a novel, mainly preclinical method.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Lufang — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Lufang
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.