Understanding how low oxygen levels affect heart cell function and contribute to heart failure
Official title: Mechanistic Understanding of Hypoxia-Induced Peroxisome loss: Implications for Heart Failure
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10871848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels affect heart cells and cause them to lose important parts that help break down fats, focusing on a protein called DEPP1 that gets activated when there's not enough oxygen; the findings could help us understand heart failure better and lead to new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL163396-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure, particularly those experiencing ischemic cardiomyopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart failure not related to ischemia or those with other unrelated cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of low oxygen levels on heart cells, specifically how it leads to the loss of peroxisomes, which are essential for fatty acid oxidation. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this process by examining a protein called DEPP1, which is activated under hypoxic conditions. Through biochemical and genetic experiments, the research will explore how DEPP1 influences heart cell survival and its role in heart failure models. Patients may benefit from insights gained about heart failure mechanisms and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function in patients with heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting metabolic pathways in heart failure can lead to significant improvements, suggesting this approach may also yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wyant, Greg — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wyant, Greg
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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.