Understanding how desmoplakin affects inflammation in heart disease
Official title: Dissecting the Role of Desmoplakin in Inflammation in Cardiomyopathy
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11021013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called desmoplakin affects inflammation in heart cells for people with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, with the goal of finding new ways to treat this condition and better understand heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HL162454-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, particularly those with known mutations in the desmoplakin gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy or those with other unrelated heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of desmoplakin, a protein linked to heart muscle cells, in causing inflammation associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. By analyzing genetic changes in heart cells, the study aims to uncover how mutations in the desmoplakin gene lead to increased inflammation and potential heart failure. The researchers will use advanced imaging techniques to visualize inflammation in the heart and explore the underlying biological pathways involved. This approach may help identify new targets for treatment and improve understanding of heart disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce inflammation and improve heart function in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammatory pathways can improve outcomes in heart disease, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Selgrade, Daniel — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Selgrade, Daniel
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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.