Understanding Heart Muscle Weakness and Thickening
Official title: Integrative Approach to Divergent Remodeling in Thin Filament Cardiomyopathies
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10983349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how tiny proteins in heart muscle cause conditions like hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, aiming to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2003 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $569,776 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL075619-21 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983349 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research focuses on the molecular causes of genetic heart conditions and is not directly recruiting patients for participation at this stage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic forms of cardiomyopathy or those seeking immediate treatment options may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
Our hearts rely on a delicate balance of proteins, called the thin filament, to pump blood effectively. When there are changes, or mutations, in the genes for these proteins, it can lead to serious heart conditions where the muscle becomes too thick (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) or too weak (dilated cardiomyopathy). This project aims to understand exactly how these genetic changes affect the heart's ability to contract and relax. By uncovering these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to identify new targets for future medicines that can specifically correct these problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of genetic heart diseases and pave the way for new, targeted treatments for patients with hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Decades of basic research into heart muscle biology have already led to significant advances, including new medications like Mavacamten for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, suggesting this approach has strong potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tardiff, Jil C — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Tardiff, Jil C
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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.