How the protein Cullin 3 affects heart cell health
Elucidating the role of Cullin 3 in the heart
['FUNDING_R01'] · AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11293448
This work looks at whether the protein Cullin 3 helps heart muscle cells keep healthy energy-making mitochondria to reduce cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11293448 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I or a friend have heart muscle disease, this project will explore how Cullin 3 controls mitochondrial DNA activity and the removal of damaged mitochondria in heart cells. The team will use cultured heart cells and laboratory models to change Cullin 3 activity and neddylation, then measure mitochondrial function, biogenesis, and mitophagy. They will combine molecular experiments with tissue analyses to trace the pathways that keep mitochondria healthy in cardiomyocytes. The goal is to pinpoint molecular steps that could become targets for future therapies to protect heart function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or other heart muscle disorders would be the most relevant patients for participation or for donating tissue/samples.
Not a fit: People without heart muscle or mitochondrial problems (for example, those with conditions unrelated to cardiac biology alone) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or treat cardiomyopathy and heart failure by improving mitochondrial health in heart cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies targeting mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis (for example, PARKIN-related pathways) have shown promise in animal models, but targeting Cullin 3 in the heart is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES
- AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY — AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SU, HUABO — AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SU, HUABO
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: Autistic Disorder