Understanding how a protein called ETS2 protects heart cells from damage

ETS2-dependent control in cardiomyocyte ischemia/reperfusion injury

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11135602

This research explores how a specific pathway in heart cells helps protect them from damage during a heart attack.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11135602 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Heart failure is a serious condition often caused by coronary artery disease, where blood flow to the heart is interrupted. When this happens, like during a heart attack, heart cells can be damaged or die. This project looks at a specific cell signaling pathway, involving proteins called ERK1/2 and ETS2, which appears to protect heart cells from this kind of injury. Researchers believe that ETS2 helps by activating another protein, Connexin43, which is important for cell communication and protection.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who have experienced or are at high risk for heart attacks and subsequent heart failure might eventually benefit from this fundamental research.

Not a fit: Patients with heart conditions not related to ischemia/reperfusion injury or those whose heart failure has other causes may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect heart cells from damage during heart attacks, potentially reducing the severity of heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that the ERK1/2 pathway can protect heart cells, and preliminary data from this team suggests ETS2 plays a key role in this protection.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, 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.
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.