Investigating how cardiac microtubules affect heart relaxation and stiffness.
Official title: Cardiac microtubules as regulators of diastolic function.
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11000256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | December 12, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $486,329 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171614-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with diastolic heart disease or related cardiac conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without any form of heart disease may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caporizzo, Matthew — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Caporizzo, Matthew
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.