How the enzyme ACLY in heart immune cells affects inflammation after a heart attack
The role of ATP citrate lyase in cardiac macrophage-mediated inflammation aftermyocardial infarction
This project tests whether a molecule called ACLY in immune cells inside the heart makes inflammation and scarring worse after a heart attack, which could help people recovering from MI.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257269 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at an enzyme (ACLY) inside the immune cells that enter the injured heart after a heart attack. Researchers will study whether ACLY changes how genes are turned on in those cells (the epigenome), driving extra inflammation and scar formation. They will use laboratory models and analyses of heart immune cells to see how ACLY affects inflammation, fibrosis, and heart function. The findings could point to new ways to reduce harmful inflammation after MI.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently had a heart attack or are recovering from one, especially those at risk for heart failure, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without ischemic heart disease or whose heart problems are unrelated to post-MI inflammation are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify a new target to reduce post-heart-attack inflammation and scarring, lowering the risk of heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials like CANTOS showed that lowering inflammation can reduce complications after MI, but targeting ACLY in heart immune cells is a newer approach that has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dutta, Partha — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Dutta, Partha
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.