How the CMYA5 protein helps heart muscle cells keep their calcium-release structures organized
CMYA5 regulation of cardiac dyad structure and function
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11229784
This project looks at whether the CMYA5 protein keeps tiny calcium-release structures in heart cells working so people with heart muscle disease avoid weak pumping and irregular heartbeats.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11229784 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers study tiny structures called dyads that let heart cells release calcium and contract together, because dyads are disrupted in failing hearts. The team uses mouse models that lack CMYA5, high-resolution imaging, and measurements of calcium handling to see how loss of CMYA5 changes dyad architecture and RYR2 calcium release. They also examine samples from failing human hearts to compare structural changes and link findings back to human disease. The work combines genetics, cell biology, and physiology to map how CMYA5 tethers parts of the cell necessary for coordinated contraction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, or clinically significant arrhythmias — or patients able to donate heart tissue or join observational cardiac-structure studies — would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without heart muscle disease or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to restore dyad structure or CMYA5 function and improve heart pumping or reduce arrhythmias in people with heart muscle disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies and analyses of failing human hearts support CMYA5's role in dyad organization, but using this knowledge to develop patient treatments remains untested.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PU, WILLIAM TSWENCHING — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: PU, WILLIAM TSWENCHING
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.
Conditions: Cardiac Diseases, Cardiac Disorders