Improving heart function by correcting calcium handling in heart cells
Official title: Correcting Cardiac Microdomains Reverses Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11077253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gene therapy that aims to fix how heart cells manage calcium in people with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, using minipigs to see if improving a specific protein can help the heart work better and stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170196-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who may benefit from advanced therapeutic options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy or those who do not have heart failure may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new gene therapy approach aimed at correcting the calcium handling mechanisms in heart cells affected by non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. The study focuses on a protein called cBIN1, which is crucial for maintaining the structure of calcium-regulating microdomains in heart cells. By using a minipig model, researchers will explore how restoring these microdomains can improve heart function and cellular health. The methodology includes advanced biochemical and imaging techniques to assess changes in heart cell structure and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve heart function in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar gene therapy approaches in animal models, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaw, Robin M — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Shaw, Robin M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Correcting cardiac microdomains to reverse non-ischemic heart failure
A gene therapy approach targeting calcium-handling microdomains in the heart is being tested to restore heart function in a large animal model of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
-
Better defining non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with functional mitral regurgitation to predict treatment outcomes
The team will use advanced heart MRI to better classify people with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and functional mitral regurgitation so doctors can predict which treatments may work best.
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Improving treatment predictions for heart patients with mitral valve issues
This study is looking at how to better understand and treat heart problems in people with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and leaky heart valves, using advanced imaging techniques to help doctors choose the best treatments for each patient.
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Biological treatment to reduce ventricular arrhythmias in a pig model of heart disease
Aims to test if delivering heart-cell–derived exosomes into damaged heart tissue can reduce scar and prevent dangerous ventricular rhythms in a porcine model of chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy.
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Repairing damaged heart tissue to stop dangerous ventricular rhythms after ischemic heart damage
The team is testing whether tiny particles from heart-derived cells can repair scarred heart tissue and stop life-threatening ventricular rhythms in people with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
-
Improving heart tissue to prevent dangerous heart rhythms
This study is looking at a new way to help people with chronic heart issues by using tiny particles from heart cells to improve the heart's electrical signals and reduce scar tissue, making it safer and more effective for patients with dangerous heart rhythms.
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.