Investigating how cardiac microtubules affect heart relaxation and stiffness.

Cardiac microtubules as regulators of diastolic function.

NIH-funded research University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11000256

This study is looking at how tiny structures in heart cells might affect heart stiffness and relaxation in people with diastolic heart disease, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve heart function for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Burlington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11000256 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding diastolic heart disease (DHD), a condition that leads to heart stiffness and impaired relaxation, which is a major cause of death and disability. The study will explore the role of cardiac microtubules in contributing to these issues by examining heart muscle cells and their mechanics in both healthy and diseased states. Using advanced laboratory techniques, researchers will isolate various factors that affect heart function and assess how these contribute to the overall stiffness of the heart. The findings aim to provide insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving heart function in patients with DHD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with diastolic heart disease or related cardiac conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without any form of heart disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart relaxation and reduce stiffness in patients with diastolic heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac mechanics, but this specific approach focusing on microtubules is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Burlington, 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 Cardiac DiseasesCardiac Disorders
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.