Understanding heart muscle weakness from a protein defect
Official title: Dysregulated mechanosignaling in dilated cardiomyopathy caused by defective Filamin C
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11163432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how a specific protein defect in heart muscle cells contributes to a common form of inherited heart weakness called dilated cardiomyopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL159224-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is relevant for patients with familial dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with known or suspected defects in proteins like Filamin C.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart conditions unrelated to genetic defects in mechanosignaling proteins may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Our hearts rely on a network of proteins to sense and respond to forces, which is crucial for healthy pumping. In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), these protein networks, especially one called the costamere, might not work correctly. This project looks at how defects in a protein called Filamin C, found in the costamere, prevent heart muscle cells from properly transmitting and responding to mechanical signals. We believe these defects lead to the heart's inability to contract well and cause harmful changes to heart cells, which are hallmarks of DCM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of the causes of dilated cardiomyopathy and potentially new ways to treat or prevent this condition.
How similar studies have gone: While Filamin C has recently been linked to various human cardiomyopathies, this specific approach using a new mouse model to understand mechanosignaling dysfunction is a novel extension of existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powers, Joseph D. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Powers, Joseph D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Discovery of rare genetic variants linked to dilated cardiomyopathy using big biobank data
A large-scale genetic study will look for rare gene variants that affect dilated cardiomyopathy to improve how we diagnose and manage the condition.
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Understanding how muscle ribosome mutations cause severe neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy and ways to treat it
This grant focuses on a rare genetic heart condition in newborns caused by mutations in a muscle-specific ribosomal protein, with hopes to find new ways to diagnose and treat it.
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Unlocking how rare genetic changes cause dilated cardiomyopathy
A large study will look at genetic data from many people to understand which rare variants affect dilated cardiomyopathy and how this changes risk and treatment.
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Role of Lmod2 in heart muscle and dilated cardiomyopathy
This NIH grant explores how a heart-specific protein (Lmod2) helps heart cells contract properly and how its problems can cause dilated cardiomyopathy in infants and children.
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Targeting DNA Damage Pathways in LMNA-Related Heart Disease
A study to understand how damaged DNA and inflammatory signals contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations and explore therapies that can protect the heart.
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Using miRNA to find new treatment paths for dilated cardiomyopathy
Researchers are studying heart-muscle disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) to discover miRNA-based clues that could lead to targeted therapies for patients.
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.