Investigating how a small protein affects heart function and calcium regulation
Official title: Determining the regulatory role of microprotein ALN on SERCA2a and heart contractility
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10994781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tiny protein called ALN that helps control calcium levels in heart cells, which is really important for keeping your heart healthy, and it aims to find out how ALN works with a calcium pump to better understand heart problems and discover new ways to improve heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2024 |
| Project end | August 27, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,915 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL172585-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who are experiencing heart-related issues or conditions that affect calcium regulation in the heart.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over 21 years old or those without heart disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a microprotein called ALN in regulating calcium levels in heart cells, which is crucial for proper heart function. The study examines how ALN interacts with a key calcium pump, SERCA2a, and how its activity can be influenced by phosphorylation. By using various experimental techniques, including cell cultures and cardiomyocyte studies, the research aims to uncover new insights into calcium dysregulation in heart disease. This could lead to potential therapeutic targets for improving heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for heart disease by restoring proper calcium regulation in heart cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting calcium regulation in heart disease, suggesting that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hassel, Keira — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hassel, Keira
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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.