How stress affects heart cell function and communication
Official title: Stress-induced loss of BIV-spectrin regulates cardiac fibroblast function and long-range communication
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11006248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects a protein that helps heart cells heal after a heart attack, with the goal of finding new ways to improve heart recovery and prevent problems like irregular heartbeats.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,224 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170749-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction or are at risk for heart disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who have not experienced heart-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how stress-induced changes in a specific protein, βIV-spectrin, impact the function of cardiac fibroblasts, which are crucial for heart healing after injury. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to the activation of these cells following a heart attack, including their proliferation and the signals they send to other heart cells. By examining the role of calcium-dependent proteins in this process, the research aims to uncover new insights into how heart tissue heals and how improper healing can lead to complications like arrhythmias. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of heart recovery processes and potential new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for heart attack recovery and reduced risk of complications such as arrhythmias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac fibroblast behavior, but this specific approach focusing on βIV-spectrin is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaheen, Rebecca J. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Shaheen, Rebecca J.
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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.