Understanding how a specific protein degradation process affects heart growth

Non-canonical ERAD as a Regulator of Cardiac Hypertrophy

NIH-funded research University of Arizona · NIH-11010373

This study is looking at how a special system in the heart helps manage a protein that can promote heart growth when the heart is under stress, which could lead to better treatments for people with heart conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11010373 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a unique role of a protein degradation system in the heart, particularly how it regulates a growth-promoting protein called SGK1 during conditions of increased heart stress. The study focuses on the endoplasmic reticulum's ability to manage misfolded proteins and how this process can influence heart muscle growth in response to pressure overload. By examining the interactions between SGK1 and its protective binding partner, GILZ, the research aims to uncover new insights into cardiac hypertrophy, a condition where the heart muscle thickens and can lead to heart failure. Patients may benefit from understanding how these mechanisms work, potentially leading to new treatments for heart diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that lead to cardiac hypertrophy, such as hypertension or heart valve disease.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without any form of cardiac hypertrophy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating cardiac hypertrophy and related heart conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of investigating non-canonical ERAD in cardiac hypertrophy is novel, related research has shown success in understanding protein degradation mechanisms in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Tucson, 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.