How the heart controls protective hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
Regulation of CSE-Derived Hydrogen Sulfide in the Heart
This project looks at how heart cells make a natural gas called hydrogen sulfide that can protect the heart during stress, with relevance for people who have heart attacks or heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321562 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are trying to understand how the heart enzyme CSE makes hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and how that production is turned up by the energy-sensing protein AMPK. They will study how AMPK phosphorylation of CSE and nutrient signals change H2S levels and which heart proteins (like Plin5) are chemically modified by H2S. The team will use laboratory experiments in heart cells and animal heart models to map these pathways and may analyze relevant tissue samples to confirm findings. The goal is to explain the biological steps that let H2S help the heart cope with stress such as low blood flow or heart failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ischemic heart disease, recent or prior heart attack, or chronic heart failure would be the most relevant patient groups for eventual trials or related studies.
Not a fit: People without cardiovascular disease or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly since this is preclinical, mechanism-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost the heart's natural protective H2S response and inspire treatments to reduce damage from heart attacks and heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and cell studies have shown H2S can protect the heart in models of ischemia-reperfusion and heart failure, but the specific regulation by AMPK and targets like Plin5 remain newly described.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calvert, John Winter — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Calvert, John Winter
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.