Investigating how a mitochondrial protein protects the heart during injury from blood flow restoration
Official title: Role of the mitochondrial LonP1 in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury protection
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11077313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called LonP1 that might help protect heart cells from damage when blood flow returns after a heart attack, with the hope of finding new treatments to help your heart heal better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $380,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL157335-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction or are at high risk for heart attacks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic heart conditions unrelated to ischemia-reperfusion injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific mitochondrial protein, LonP1, can help protect heart cells from damage caused by the restoration of blood flow after a heart attack. By studying the role of LonP1 in the early stages of ischemia-reperfusion injury, researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets that could limit heart damage. The approach involves examining the molecular mechanisms of how LonP1 mitigates oxidative stress and promotes heart cell survival during critical periods following a heart attack. Patients may benefit from potential new treatments that enhance LonP1 function to improve heart recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce heart damage and improve recovery after heart attacks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using mitochondrial proteins for cardioprotection, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sundararajan, Venkatesh — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Sundararajan, Venkatesh
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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.