Protecting heart cell energy by activating the alpha‑1A heart receptor
Metabolic mechanisms of cardioprotection through alpha-1A adrenergic receptor activation
This research tests whether turning on a specific heart receptor (alpha‑1A) helps heart cells keep their energy and resist damage in heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247991 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are looking at how activating the alpha‑1A receptor in heart cells affects the way mitochondria make energy, using laboratory mouse models and isolated heart tissue. They compare normal mice with mice that lack the alpha‑1A receptor and measure fatty acid use and electron transport chain activity in mitochondria. The team also examines how an alpha‑1A activating drug changes energy and function after heart injury, such as heart attack or chemotherapy‑related damage. Findings from these experiments aim to explain why the receptor seems to protect heart cells and to point toward new treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with heart failure, recent heart attack, or those at risk of chemotherapy‑related heart damage would be most relevant for future therapies based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients without heart disease or whose heart problems are caused by structural or non‑metabolic issues may not see direct benefit from this line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that preserve heart energy and protect heart function after heart attacks or chemotherapy damage.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have already shown alpha‑1A activation can raise heart ATP and protect mouse hearts after chemotherapy or experimental heart attack, but translation to people is not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jensen, Brian C — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Jensen, Brian C
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 below.