Understanding how desmoplakin affects inflammation in heart disease

Dissecting the Role of Desmoplakin in Inflammation in Cardiomyopathy

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO · NIH-11021013

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

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11021013 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, particularly those with known mutations in the desmoplakin gene.

Not a fit: Patients without arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy or those with other unrelated heart conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

CHICAGO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.