Tiny mitochondrial proteins that affect heart energy
Microprotein Regulation of Mitochondrial Function
This work looks at whether tiny proteins in heart cell mitochondria can help restore energy production for people with heart failure.
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-11231269 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have heart failure, this research looks at tiny proteins inside heart cell mitochondria that control how cells make and use energy. Scientists will study these microproteins using lab-grown heart cells, animal models, and samples of human heart tissue to see which proteins bind to mitochondrial machinery and change metabolism. They will test whether altering levels of specific microproteins improves energy production and contractile function in heart muscle cells. The goal is to find molecular targets that could lead to new treatments that fix the energy shortage in failing hearts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with heart failure or weakened heart muscle, especially those willing to donate tissue or join related studies, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with non-cardiac conditions or very advanced, irreversible heart failure may not receive direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments that restore mitochondrial energy production and improve heart function in people with heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory work has shown some mitochondrial microproteins can change energy and metabolism, but translating these findings into heart failure therapies is still new.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makarewich, Catherine a — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Makarewich, Catherine a
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.