Understanding how microtubule organizing centers affect heart cell structure and function
Official title: Mechanistic Insights into The Role of Microtubule Organizing Centers on Cardiomyocyte Structure and Function
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11075801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny structures in heart cells affect the growth and health of hearts in babies with dilated cardiomyopathy, and it aims to find new ways to help these hearts work better by exploring a special gene and a potential treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $518,486 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167133-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants under one year old diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy or those with a genetic predisposition to heart conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart conditions unrelated to dilated cardiomyopathy or those over the age of one may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microtubule organizing centers in the development and function of heart cells, particularly in infants with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The study focuses on understanding the genetic causes of DCM and how the failure of heart cells to mature properly can lead to serious health issues. Researchers have identified a gene linked to this condition and are exploring a small molecule that may help restore normal heart cell function. By using induced pluripotent stem cells, they aim to uncover new therapeutic strategies for treating pediatric heart failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for infants suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy, significantly improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the genetic basis of pediatric heart diseases, but this specific approach focusing on microtubule organizing centers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Charles C — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hong, Charles C
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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.