Understanding how genetic factors cause familial dilated cardiomyopathy to improve treatment options

Unraveling the pathogenesis of familial dilated cardiomyopathy towards precision medicine

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11016931

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11016931 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with familial dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with specific genetic mutations.

Not a fit: Patients without familial dilated cardiomyopathy or those with non-genetic forms of heart disease may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.