How the heart protein AS160 helps during obesity and diabetes

AS160 as a nodal regulator of the cardiac response to metabolic stress

['FUNDING_R01'] · CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU · NIH-11143060

Researchers are looking at whether the heart protein AS160 helps protect heart function in adults with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11143060 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project looks at a heart protein called AS160 and how it helps the heart cope when metabolism is stressed by obesity or diabetes. Scientists will use laboratory experiments and animal models to study how AS160 and related signaling proteins affect heart metabolism and insulin responses. They will link those lab findings to human-relevant data, such as metabolic measures or tissue samples, to better understand why people with metabolic disease develop heart problems. The aim is to identify pathways that could be targeted to keep hearts healthier in people with diabetes and obesity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults living with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome who are concerned about heart disease are the most relevant group for this work.

Not a fit: People with heart disease unrelated to metabolic problems or children under 21 are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to prevent or treat heart dysfunction in people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows modifying related proteins like GRK2 can protect the heart in animal models, but targeting AS160 in the context of human metabolic heart disease is a newer approach.

Where this research is happening

CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.