Understanding how heart proteins help the body respond to exercise stress
Official title: Discovery of heart-derived myokines mediating the response to exercise stress via PGC-1a
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11031493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins from the heart, called myokines, help the heart get stronger with exercise and may prevent heart failure, so that people can learn more about how staying active can improve heart health and lower the risk of heart-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $142,776 |
| NIH project number | 1K08HL177169-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or suffering from cardio-metabolic diseases, particularly those with heart dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those who are not physically active may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of proteins secreted by the heart, known as myokines, in how the heart adapts to exercise and helps prevent heart failure. The project focuses on the exercise-induced transcription factor PGC-1α, which is crucial for mitochondrial function and energy balance. By studying these heart-derived proteins, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic approaches for cardio-metabolic diseases, which are significant contributors to mortality and healthcare costs. Patients may benefit from insights into how exercise can improve heart health and reduce disease burden.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance heart function and prevent heart failure through exercise.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of exercise in heart health, but the specific focus on heart-secreted myokines is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khetarpal, Sumeet — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Khetarpal, Sumeet
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.