Understanding how mechanical load affects heart cell structure in heart failure
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of load-induced t-tubule regulation in the mammalian heart
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10871881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different levels of stress on heart cells affect their structure and function, especially how they handle calcium, which is important for heartbeats, and it could help us find new ways to treat heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $166,740 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HL163493-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with heart failure or those at risk of developing heart failure due to mechanical stress on the heart.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart conditions unrelated to mechanical load or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate the structure of t-tubules in heart cells under different mechanical loads. By using innovative techniques to apply direct mechanical stress to isolated heart cells, the study aims to understand how this stress impacts the relationship between calcium channels and ryanodine receptors, which are crucial for heart muscle contraction. The research will explore the roles of specific proteins involved in maintaining t-tubule integrity and how their expression changes under conditions of overload. This could lead to new insights into heart failure and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for heart failure by identifying new ways to restore normal heart function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac function through similar molecular approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ibrahim, Michael — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ibrahim, Michael
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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.