Understanding calcium transport in heart cells to develop new heart failure drugs
Protein structural biophysics driving drug discovery for cardiac calcium transport regulation, producing translational advances and mechanistic insights
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11063191
This study is looking at how calcium moves in heart muscle cells to find new medicines that could help people with heart failure feel better by fixing calcium problems in their hearts.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11063191 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how calcium is transported within heart muscle cells and aims to develop new medications that can correct calcium imbalances associated with heart failure. The team focuses on a specific enzyme, SERCA2a, which plays a crucial role in pumping calcium back into the cells after each heartbeat. By using advanced techniques to observe the structure and function of this enzyme and its regulatory proteins, the researchers are screening thousands of small molecules to identify potential drug candidates that could improve heart function. Patients may benefit from new therapies that target these calcium transport mechanisms, potentially leading to better management of heart failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure or related cardiac conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac related health issues or those not experiencing calcium transport dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for heart failure that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting calcium transport mechanisms for heart disease, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: THOMAS, DAVID D — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: THOMAS, DAVID 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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome