Targeting a heart muscle protein (cMyBP-C) to improve heart pumping
Computer modeling of myosin binding protein C and its effects on cardiac contraction
['FUNDING_R01'] · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11296890
This project uses computer models to find ways to change a heart muscle protein (cMyBP-C) so people with heart failure can have stronger and better-timed heartbeats.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11296890 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will build a detailed mathematical model of how phosphorylation (chemical tagging) of the heart muscle protein cMyBP-C controls contraction and relaxation. Because cMyBP-C has at least nine phosphorylation sites and many possible combinations, the model lets the team explore which specific changes might improve heart function without causing harmful trade-offs. The model will be used to predict strategies to prevent or reverse contractile dysfunction in people with heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Those predictions are intended to guide follow-up lab experiments and, eventually, approaches that could be tested in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with heart failure, including both reduced and preserved ejection fraction, would be the most likely candidates to benefit from therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: People without heart failure or whose symptoms are driven mainly by non-sarcomeric causes (for example advanced valve disease) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that strengthen heart contraction while preserving relaxation for people with heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous attempts to modify myofilament function have been mostly disappointing, so applying a detailed computational model focused on cMyBP-C phosphorylation is a relatively novel and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: STELZER, JULIAN — CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: STELZER, JULIAN
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.