Investigating how a protein called Junctophilin-2 is affected in heart disease
Official title: Junctophilin-2 cleavage in ischemic heart disease
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10804645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Junctophilin-2 (JPH2) is affected in heart disease, specifically how it gets broken down by an enzyme, which might change how heart cells work and lead to heart failure, with the hope that this research will help find new treatments for people with heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $574,683 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL153350-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10804645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ischemic heart disease or those at risk for heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ischemic heart conditions or those without heart disease may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Junctophilin-2 (JPH2) in ischemic heart disease, a condition that significantly impacts heart function. The study aims to explore how the enzyme calpain cleaves JPH2, leading to changes in heart cell function and potentially contributing to heart failure. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved, the research seeks to uncover how the resulting JPH2 fragments affect calcium signaling and heart muscle remodeling. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for heart disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function and outcomes for patients with ischemic heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of JPH2 in heart disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wehrens, Xander H.t. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wehrens, Xander H.t.
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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.