Understanding how heart cells manage signals for better heart health

Regulation of compartmentalized cAMP signaling by mitochondria-associated spaces in adult ventricular myocytes

NIH-funded research University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11127593

This project explores how heart cells organize their internal signals, called cAMP, to control heart function and prevent conditions like arrhythmias and heart failure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nevada Reno NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Reno, United States)
Project IDNIH-11127593 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our heart cells use a special signaling molecule called cAMP to carry out different tasks, but sometimes this signaling can go wrong, leading to heart problems. This project aims to understand how heart cells keep these cAMP signals organized in separate areas, which is crucial for healthy heart function. We are looking into how tiny spaces around mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, might act as barriers to help control where cAMP goes. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to address heart conditions caused by disorganized cell signaling.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research focuses on the basic biology of heart cells and is not directly recruiting patients at this stage, but future applications may benefit individuals with cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophy, or heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients without cardiovascular diseases related to cAMP signaling dysregulation would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases like arrhythmias, hypertrophy, and heart failure by targeting the way heart cells manage their internal signals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous mathematical and experimental studies have suggested that cAMP mobility and physical barriers within cells are important, but this project offers a novel focus on mitochondria-associated spaces.

Where this research is happening

Reno, 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.