MyBP-C and heart muscle: how protein balance affects heart function
Official title: The Impact of Myosin-Binding Protein C on Myosin Mobility and Proteostasis.
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11395532 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how low levels of a heart protein called MyBP-C affect heart muscle performance and structure, especially in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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 | August 18, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $673,027 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL176648-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395532 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with MYBPC3-related hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or related cardiac muscle protein balance issues who could provide samples or participate in future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MYBPC3-related heart muscle disease or those not involved in proteostasis research may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
If your heart carries certain MYBPC3 mutations, you may have reduced MyBP-C, which can change how heart muscle fibers interact and work. The researchers will use new techniques to study how MyBP-C influences myosin dynamics and the stability of thick filaments in human-relevant models. The study aims to connect these molecular changes to the way the heart contracts and to understand why some therapies may not fully help. Results could point to new approaches that restore proper protein balance and improve heart function in patients with MYBPC3-related disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A clearer understanding of MYBPC3-related HCM could lead to better-targeted therapies that address protein balance, potentially improving symptoms and heart function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that supporting proper myosin dynamics can influence heart muscle performance, but this project explores a novel angle on MyBP-C’s broader roles.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Previs, Michael Joseph — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Previs, Michael Joseph
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.