Role of LonP1 in protecting the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury
Official title: Role of the mitochondrial LonP1 in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury protection
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11345782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if boosting a mitochondrial protein called LonP1 can reduce heart damage after a blocked artery is opened in people who have a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $380,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL157335-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345782 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with myocardial infarction or at high risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury in future translational steps, depending on study phase.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage, non-interventional or non-human studies may not directly benefit patients.
What this research studies
This project examines how LonP1 helps heart cells survive the stress of restored blood flow after a heart attack. Researchers will build on prior findings showing LonP1 reduces damage from mitochondrial reactive oxygen species during early reperfusion. The work will involve experiments related to mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte survival to identify how LonP1 protects the heart. The aim is to translate these insights into therapeutic strategies that lessen injury and improve outcomes after myocardial infarction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that lessen heart damage after a heart attack and reduce the risk of heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests LonP1 is protective in heart tissue during reperfusion, supporting potential benefit but needing confirmatory human-relevant data.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sundararajan, Venkatesh — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Sundararajan, Venkatesh
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Investigating how a mitochondrial protein protects the heart during injury from blood flow restoration
This study is looking at a protein called LonP1 that might help protect heart cells from damage when blood flow returns after a heart attack, with the hope of finding new treatments to help your heart heal better.
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.