How mutations in heart muscle proteins affect heart function
Official title: Impact of dilated cardiomyopathy mutations on cardiac myosin structure and function
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11211185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) affect a vital heart protein, which could help us understand heart failure better and find new treatments for people with DCM.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $92,718 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL163585-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11211185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with a known genetic mutation affecting beta-cardiac myosin.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart failure due to non-genetic causes or those without dilated cardiomyopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of genetic mutations associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) on the structure and function of a key heart muscle protein called beta-cardiac myosin. By examining how these mutations alter the protein's ability to generate force and interact with other muscle components, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind heart failure. The research employs advanced biochemical and biophysical techniques to analyze the contractile properties of heart muscle cells, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with DCM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy and related heart conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the molecular mechanisms of heart muscle function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yengo, Christopher M — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yengo, Christopher M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Discovery of rare genetic variants linked to dilated cardiomyopathy using big biobank data
A large-scale genetic study will look for rare gene variants that affect dilated cardiomyopathy to improve how we diagnose and manage the condition.
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Understanding how muscle ribosome mutations cause severe neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy and ways to treat it
This grant focuses on a rare genetic heart condition in newborns caused by mutations in a muscle-specific ribosomal protein, with hopes to find new ways to diagnose and treat it.
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Unlocking how rare genetic changes cause dilated cardiomyopathy
A large study will look at genetic data from many people to understand which rare variants affect dilated cardiomyopathy and how this changes risk and treatment.
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Role of Lmod2 in heart muscle and dilated cardiomyopathy
This NIH grant explores how a heart-specific protein (Lmod2) helps heart cells contract properly and how its problems can cause dilated cardiomyopathy in infants and children.
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Targeting DNA Damage Pathways in LMNA-Related Heart Disease
A study to understand how damaged DNA and inflammatory signals contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations and explore therapies that can protect the heart.
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Using miRNA to find new treatment paths for dilated cardiomyopathy
Researchers are studying heart-muscle disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) to discover miRNA-based clues that could lead to targeted therapies for patients.
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.