Understanding how heart disease changes the organization of genetic material in heart cells
Dynamics of cardiac nuclei in heart disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11118666
This work explores how the way our genes are organized within heart cells changes during heart disease, aiming to find new ways to keep hearts healthy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11118666 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our hearts can develop problems like heart failure, and we believe this is linked to how our genetic material is packaged inside heart cells. This project looks closely at the structure of this genetic material, called chromatin, and how it changes in different heart cell types, like fibroblasts and myocytes. We want to understand if these changes in genetic organization lead to unhealthy gene activity. By studying these fundamental processes, including differences between sexes, we hope to uncover new targets for treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to anyone affected by or at risk for heart disease, particularly heart failure.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments will not directly benefit from this basic science project, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of heart disease at a genetic level, potentially paving the way for new therapies that correct unhealthy gene expression.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of epigenetics in disease is established, this project aims to perform the first-ever detailed reconstruction of genome topology in distinct heart cell types, making its specific approach novel.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VONDRISKA, THOMAS M. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: VONDRISKA, THOMAS M.
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.