Understanding how heart cells communicate during heart enlargement

Defining the cardiomyocyte microdomain signaling landscape in cardiac hypertrophy

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11037926

This study is looking at how certain changes in heart cells can lead to heart enlargement, which can cause heart failure, and it aims to find out how these changes affect how heart cells communicate and react to stress, with the hope of discovering new ways to help treat heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11037926 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the signaling mechanisms within heart cells that contribute to heart enlargement, a condition often leading to heart failure. By focusing on the role of lipid modifications, specifically palmitoylation, the study aims to uncover how these changes affect the way heart cells communicate and respond to stress. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes, which are the specialized cells of the heart. This work could provide insights into the underlying causes of heart disease and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing or at risk for heart disease, particularly those with signs of cardiac hypertrophy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac related health issues or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac signaling pathways, but this specific focus on lipid modifications in cardiomyocytes is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.