Understanding how heart cells respond to mechanical signals during contraction
An Investigation of Focal Adhesion Tension During Cardiomyocyte Contraction
['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-10880349
This study looks at how heart cells feel and react to the forces they experience when they contract, focusing on tiny connections that help them stay anchored, and it aims to understand how problems with these connections might affect heart health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10880349 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how heart muscle cells, known as cardiomyocytes, sense and respond to mechanical cues during their contraction cycle. It focuses on focal adhesions, which are protein complexes that connect the cell's internal structure to the surrounding extracellular matrix. By examining the forces at these focal adhesions, the study aims to uncover how disruptions in mechanical signaling can lead to changes in heart cell structure and function, potentially affecting overall heart performance. The research employs advanced techniques to measure the tension and distribution of these adhesions during cardiomyocyte contraction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiac diseases or disorders that may be linked to mechanical signaling issues in heart cells.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those without any heart-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into heart diseases and improve treatments for conditions that affect heart function.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on focal adhesion tension in cardiomyocytes is relatively novel, similar research in other cell types has shown promising results in understanding mechanosensing.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NAGLE, ABIGAIL — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: NAGLE, ABIGAIL
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 below.