Investigating the role of fortilin and CTNNA3 in heart failure

Fortilin, CTNNA3, and the Heart

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10812215

This study is looking at how a protein called fortilin affects heart health and its connection to another protein that might play a role in heart failure, with the goal of finding new ways to help people with this serious condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10812215 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how the protein fortilin affects heart function and its relationship with CTNNA3, a protein that may contribute to heart failure (HF). Researchers will study heart-specific knockout mice that lack fortilin to determine if low levels of this protein lead to increased degradation of CTNNA3 and subsequent heart failure. By analyzing heart tissue samples and using advanced techniques like microarray analyses, the team aims to uncover new molecular targets for treating HF. This could lead to innovative therapies for patients suffering from this progressive and often fatal condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with heart failure who do not have low levels of fortilin or CTNNA3 may not benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow or reverse the progression of heart failure, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While previous attempts to treat heart failure through other molecular targets have been unsuccessful, this approach is novel and aims to explore untested pathways.

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.
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.