Investigating the role of a calcium channel in heart muscle cells and heart disease.

Defining the roles of Orai3 channel in cardiomyocytes and cardiomyopathy.

NIH-funded research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10471846

This study is looking at how a specific calcium channel called Orai3 affects heart muscle cells in people with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and researchers are using specially modified mice to learn more about how this condition develops and find new ways to help treat it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10471846 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition that leads to heart enlargement and dysfunction. The study aims to understand how the Orai3 calcium channel affects heart muscle cells and contributes to the disease. Researchers will use genetically modified mice to explore the mechanisms behind heart failure related to Orai3 deficiency. By examining these mice, the team hopes to uncover new insights into the cellular processes that lead to DCM and potential therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy or those at risk for heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients with heart conditions unrelated to dilated cardiomyopathy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for dilated cardiomyopathy, improving heart function and patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting calcium channels can lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating heart diseases, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, 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 2026-06-10 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.