Understanding how genetic factors cause familial dilated cardiomyopathy to improve treatment options
Official title: Unraveling the pathogenesis of familial dilated cardiomyopathy towards precision medicine
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11016931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a heart condition called familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and how a protein named ATF4 might help heart cells handle stress better, with the hope that boosting this protein could lead to new treatments for patients with DCM, no matter what genetic mutations they have.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2018 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $464,937 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL139679-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with familial dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with specific genetic mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without familial dilated cardiomyopathy or those with non-genetic forms of heart disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition, by focusing on the role of a specific protein called ATF4. The team will explore how ATF4 can help heart cells adapt to stress and whether enhancing its activity can improve heart function in patients with genetic mutations causing DCM. Using advanced techniques, including gene therapy, they aim to develop new treatments that could benefit a wide range of patients with this condition, regardless of their specific genetic mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve heart function and quality of life for patients with familial dilated cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for heart disease treatment, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karakikes, Ioannis — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Karakikes, Ioannis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Discovery of rare genetic variants linked to dilated cardiomyopathy using big biobank data
A large-scale genetic study will look for rare gene variants that affect dilated cardiomyopathy to improve how we diagnose and manage the condition.
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Understanding how muscle ribosome mutations cause severe neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy and ways to treat it
This grant focuses on a rare genetic heart condition in newborns caused by mutations in a muscle-specific ribosomal protein, with hopes to find new ways to diagnose and treat it.
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Unlocking how rare genetic changes cause dilated cardiomyopathy
A large study will look at genetic data from many people to understand which rare variants affect dilated cardiomyopathy and how this changes risk and treatment.
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Role of Lmod2 in heart muscle and dilated cardiomyopathy
This NIH grant explores how a heart-specific protein (Lmod2) helps heart cells contract properly and how its problems can cause dilated cardiomyopathy in infants and children.
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Targeting DNA Damage Pathways in LMNA-Related Heart Disease
A study to understand how damaged DNA and inflammatory signals contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations and explore therapies that can protect the heart.
-
Using miRNA to find new treatment paths for dilated cardiomyopathy
Researchers are studying heart-muscle disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) to discover miRNA-based clues that could lead to targeted therapies for patients.
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.