Protein transport into heart mitochondria and diabetic heart damage
Role of Protein Import in the Development of the Diabetic Heart
['FUNDING_R01'] · WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11317195
This research looks at whether problems getting proteins into the mitochondria of heart cells help cause heart damage in people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11317195 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers compare heart tissue and cells from people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic mice to study mitochondrial structure and function. They measure levels of key mitochondrial helpers (like mtHsp70 and LonP1) and test how well proteins are imported into mitochondria. The team examines whether loss of these import and refolding systems leads to protein clumps that harm mitochondria and weaken heart muscle. Results come from lab assays on patient samples and parallel experiments in a well-established diabetic mouse model.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, especially those with signs of heart disease, may be eligible to provide tissue samples or join related observational studies.
Not a fit: People without type 2 diabetes or patients seeking an immediate new treatment are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to protect heart mitochondria and reduce heart damage in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked mitochondrial problems to diabetic heart disease, but focusing on the protein import and refolding machinery is a relatively new and not yet clinically tested approach.
Where this research is happening
MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES
- WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY — MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOLLANDER, JOHN M — WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HOLLANDER, JOHN M
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus