Investigating how melusin affects heart muscle growth in response to stress

Mechanotransduction by Melusin in Cardiac Hypertrophy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-10653705

This study is looking at a protein called melusin in heart cells to see how it helps the heart respond to stress, which can cause the heart muscle to grow too much; the goal is to find new ways to help people with heart conditions related to this issue.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10653705 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of melusin, a protein in heart cells, in how these cells respond to increased stress, which can lead to heart muscle growth or hypertrophy. The study will explore the mechanisms by which melusin influences this process, using advanced techniques such as engineered heart tissue and transgenic mice. By examining how melusin interacts with other signaling pathways in heart cells, the research aims to uncover new insights into heart health and disease. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new treatments for various forms of heart disease related to hypertrophy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cardiac hypertrophy, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating heart conditions associated with abnormal muscle growth.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mechanotransduction in heart cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.