Investigating the effects of physical stress on heart cells from muscular dystrophy patients

Physiologic stress in advanced tissue culture models of cardiomyopathy

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10983739

This study is looking at how physical stress impacts heart cells from people with muscular dystrophy, especially those with Duchenne and LMNA-related types, to help find better ways to treat heart problems they might face.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10983739 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how physical stress affects heart cells derived from patients with muscular dystrophy, particularly those with Duchenne and LMNA-related muscular dystrophy. By creating advanced tissue models using patient-specific stem cells, the study aims to replicate the conditions these cells experience in the body. The researchers will apply mechanical stress to these engineered heart tissues to observe how they respond, which could lead to better therapeutic strategies for managing heart complications in these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy or LMNA-related muscular dystrophy.

Not a fit: Patients without muscular dystrophy or those with unrelated cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for heart failure and arrhythmias in patients with muscular dystrophy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered heart tissues to study cardiac diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.
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.