Understanding how genetic changes affect heart muscle function
Official title: Structural and functional basis of myocardial dysregulation in genetic cardiomyopathy
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11112530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes affect the heart muscle cells that help your heart pump, using pig hearts to find out more about heart conditions like cardiomyopathy, with the hope of discovering new treatments to help people with heart issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $681,814 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172492-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with genetic cardiomyopathies or those with a family history of such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-genetic forms of heart disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic variants impact the structure and function of heart muscle cells, specifically focusing on the sarcomere, which is crucial for heart contraction. Using advanced techniques like synchrotron X-ray diffraction, the study will analyze live cardiac muscle from a pig model, which closely resembles human hearts. The research aims to uncover the molecular details of how these genetic changes lead to cardiomyopathy, potentially paving the way for new treatments. By examining protein modifications and isoform switching, the team will gain insights into the regulation of heart muscle function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with genetic cardiomyopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cardiac function through similar approaches, but this study aims to provide novel insights using advanced techniques.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirk, Jonathan a — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kirk, Jonathan a
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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.