Understanding heart disease caused by faulty protein signaling

Dysregulated mechanosignaling in dilated cardiomyopathy caused by defective Filamin C

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10894897

This study is looking at how problems with a protein called Filamin C affect heart function in people with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat this heart condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10894897 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition linked to mutations in proteins that help heart cells communicate and respond to mechanical forces. The study focuses on how defects in a specific protein, Filamin C, disrupt the signaling pathways that are crucial for heart muscle function. By using advanced techniques like atomic force microscopy, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind these defects and their impact on heart cell behavior. This could lead to new insights into how to better diagnose and treat DCM.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with a family history of the condition.

Not a fit: Patients with heart conditions unrelated to dilated cardiomyopathy or those without genetic mutations affecting heart proteins may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mechanosignaling in heart diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cardiac DiseasesCardiac Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.