How the heart’s t-tubules respond to load in humans
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of load-induced t-tubule regulation in the mammalian heart
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11580802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults will explore how mechanical load changes affect the heart’s t-tubule structure and key proteins, to understand why heart muscle loses strength.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HL163493-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11580802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with or at risk for heart failure who could provide biopsy or tissue samples for study, or who could benefit from future trials based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no direct benefit for some individuals who do not contribute tissue samples or participate in future translational steps.
What this research studies
This project uses new ways to apply controlled mechanical load to human heart cells and heart tissue in the lab, then examines how t-tubule networks and calcium channels respond. It focuses on how proteins like JPH2, BIN1, and TCAP interact with the microtubule system to regulate t-tubule structure under different loads. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that may contribute to heart failure, potentially guiding new therapies. The research is conducted with isolated cardiomyocytes and human heart tissue to ensure relevance to people with heart disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets to preserve or restore proper t-tubule architecture and calcium signaling in heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked t-tubule disruption to heart failure, and similar approaches in cells and tissues have shown promise in understanding this pathway.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ibrahim, Michael — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Ibrahim, Michael
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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.