Thrombospondin‑1's role in heart muscle shrinking
Thrombospondin1-regulated atrophy in the heart
This research looks at how the protein thrombospondin‑1 causes heart muscle cells to shrink, which could matter for people with heart wasting or remodeling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229588 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are trying to understand why heart muscle cells get smaller during illness or poor nutrition and how thrombospondin‑1 (Thbs1) controls that shrinking. They examine how Thbs1 interacts with stress pathways inside heart cells, including effects on the ER stress factor PERK, eIF2α, and cell recycling processes called autophagy. The team uses laboratory models of heart and skeletal muscle (cells and animal models) and molecular experiments to map the exact steps that lead to tissue atrophy. Results could point to markers or targets that future clinical research could use to prevent or reverse harmful muscle loss in the heart.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions linked to heart muscle loss or remodeling—for example certain forms of heart failure or cardiotoxicity from drugs—would be the most relevant future candidates for related clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart problems are unrelated to muscle atrophy or to thrombospondin‑1 pathways may not benefit from findings of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to prevent or reverse heart muscle wasting and protect heart function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic research has connected thrombospondins to membrane stability and ER stress, but applying this pathway specifically to heart muscle atrophy is a newer and still emerging area of study.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molkentin, Jeffery D — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Molkentin, Jeffery D
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.