How STK25 and PRKAR1A control heart cell signaling
STK25 phosphorylates PRKAR1A to regulate PKA signaling
Looks at whether changing the activity of the proteins STK25 and PRKAR1A can improve heart cell signaling and help people with heart failure or after a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129756 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies two proteins that act like a switch (STK25 and PRKAR1A) for PKA signaling, which helps control heart cell contraction and calcium handling. Researchers use human stem-cell derived heart cells grown in the lab and genetically modified mice to change STK25 activity and measure effects on PKA signaling, calcium flux, scarring, and heart function after injury. The team examines whether removing or modifying STK25 reduces fibrosis and improves outcomes after a heart attack in mice while confirming molecular changes in human-derived cells. If the results look promising, they could point toward new targets for drugs or therapies to protect the heart in heart failure or after myocardial infarction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with heart failure or those who have recently had a myocardial infarction and who are willing to provide samples or participate in future related studies would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without heart disease or whose conditions arise from unrelated causes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this early-stage laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets that reduce heart damage after a heart attack and improve outcomes for people with heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Modulating PKA signaling has shown promise in preclinical studies, but directly targeting the STK25–PRKAR1A interaction is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fine, Barry M. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Fine, Barry M.
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.