Understanding how lactate is used for energy in heart failure
Official title: Mechanism and impact of direct mitochondrial lactate oxidation in heart failure
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11029917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart cells use lactate for energy and hopes to find new ways to help people with heart failure feel better and improve their heart function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $473,096 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL177047-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with heart failure who may benefit from novel metabolic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart failure who do not have elevated lactate levels or those with other underlying conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lactate in heart failure, focusing on how it is utilized by heart cells for energy production. The study employs advanced techniques to trace the metabolic pathways of lactate in both animal models and human patients. By examining the mechanisms of lactate oxidation in cardiac cells, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve heart function in individuals with heart failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance energy production in the failing heart, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic shifts in heart failure, but the specific focus on lactate oxidation represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ducker, Gregory S — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Ducker, Gregory S
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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.