Understanding how a protein affects heart and fat function in women
P21-activated kinase 1 is a novel regulator of cardiac and adipose tissue function in females
This study is looking at how a protein called PAK1 affects heart and fat health in postmenopausal women, to better understand how changes in estrogen might lead to weight gain and heart problems, with the hope of finding new treatments just for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10901847 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in regulating heart and fat function, particularly in postmenopausal women who are more prone to obesity and heart failure. The study aims to explore how estrogen influences PAK1 and how its dysregulation may contribute to conditions like heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). By using animal models, the research will examine the mechanisms behind fat accumulation and heart function in females as they age. This could lead to new insights into gender-specific treatments for obesity and heart-related issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women experiencing obesity or related heart conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who are not postmenopausal or do not have obesity-related heart issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that improve heart health and manage obesity in postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on PAK1 in relation to heart and fat function in women is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding gender differences in obesity and heart disease.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosas, Paola Cecilia — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rosas, Paola Cecilia
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.