Investigating a new treatment target for inherited heart failure.
Official title: Evaluation of the AMPK-BACH1-NRF2 Axis as a Therapeutic Target for Inherited DCM
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11138625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition often caused by genetic issues, by testing if a specific pathway in the heart cells can improve heart function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170080-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with inherited dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with specific genetic mutations affecting heart muscle function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-genetic forms of heart failure or those without a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and is often caused by genetic mutations. The team aims to explore the AMPK-BACH1-NRF2 signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target to improve heart muscle function in patients with inherited forms of DCM. By using human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes from patients with specific genetic mutations, the researchers will assess whether activating this pathway can restore heart muscle contractility. This approach is based on previous findings that showed promising results in laboratory settings, specifically targeting the underlying genetic causes of DCM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for patients with inherited dilated cardiomyopathy, potentially improving heart function and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting similar pathways for heart disease, but this specific approach in inherited DCM is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mercola, Mark — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Mercola, Mark
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.