Investigating how a parasite affects heart cell metabolism
Host-parasite lipid metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected cardiac myocytes
This study is exploring how the Chagas disease parasite affects heart cells, especially how it changes the way these cells use fats, with the goal of finding better ways to diagnose and treat people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10249356 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on Chagas disease, which is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that infects heart cells, leading to serious heart problems. The study aims to understand how this parasite interacts with human heart cells, particularly looking at lipid metabolism, which may be crucial for the parasite's survival and replication. By examining the specific metabolic changes in heart cells infected with T. cruzi, researchers hope to uncover new insights that could lead to better diagnostics and treatments for affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Chagas disease who are experiencing cardiac symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Chagas disease or related heart conditions are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and therapies for patients suffering from Chagas disease and related heart conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding parasite-host interactions in other contexts, but this specific focus on cardiac myocytes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitman, Jeffrey Dominick — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Whitman, Jeffrey Dominick
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.