How the protein mitofusin‑2 controls heart cell energy in cardiomyopathy
Mitofusin 2 as a Nodal Regulator of Mitochondrial Function in Cardiomyopathy
Researchers will look at how mitofusin‑2 controls the energy factories in heart cells to help people with cardiomyopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how mitofusin‑2 (MFN2) controls the removal and replacement of mitochondria in heart cells, because that switch decides whether heart cells burn fats or sugars. The team will use laboratory experiments including mouse heart models, isolated heart cells, and analyses relevant to human cardiomyopathy to map the molecular pathways. They will measure mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and how changing MFN2 alters cell metabolism and heart function. The aim is to find molecular steps that could become targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with cardiomyopathy or heart failure, especially those whose hearts show shifts in how they use fuel (from fats back to sugars), would be most relevant for related future trials or tissue-donation opportunities.
Not a fit: People without cardiomyopathy or whose heart problems are caused by non‑metabolic issues are unlikely to get direct benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to restore healthy energy use in failing hearts and lead to therapies for people with cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown mitochondrial dynamics affect heart metabolism, but forcing production of new mitochondria has not yet produced effective therapies, so this approach is promising but still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dorn, Gerald W. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Dorn, Gerald W.
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.