Understanding how cardiac muscle saves energy during contraction
Structural basis of the super-relaxed state in human cardiac muscle
This study is looking at how a special state of heart muscle proteins helps save energy during heartbeats, especially in people with inherited heart conditions, to find ways to improve treatments for heart diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10854982 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the 'super-relaxed' state of myosin filaments in human cardiac muscle, which plays a crucial role in energy conservation during heart contractions. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the study aims to uncover the structural basis of this state and how it is affected by genetic mutations linked to cardiomyopathies. The findings could lead to better understanding of heart diseases and the development of targeted therapies that restore normal function. Patients with inherited heart conditions may particularly benefit from insights gained through this research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with inherited cardiomyopathies such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Not a fit: Patients with non-genetic heart conditions or those without any form of cardiomyopathy may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for inherited cardiomyopathies, improving heart function and patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding muscle contraction mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Padron, Raul — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Padron, Raul
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.