Investigating a new treatment target for inherited heart failure.

Evaluation of the AMPK-BACH1-NRF2 Axis as a Therapeutic Target for Inherited DCM

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11138625

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11138625 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with inherited dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with specific genetic mutations affecting heart muscle function.

Not a fit: Patients with non-genetic forms of heart failure or those without a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.