Understanding how myocarditis contributes to heart rhythm disorders
Official title: Myocarditis is necessary for the development of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11069180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells affect a serious heart condition called arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) that can cause sudden heart problems in young people, and it aims to find new ways to prevent this condition by testing different treatments in mice with a specific genetic change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship 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 6, 2025 |
| Project end | January 5, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $37,045 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL178200-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy or those identified as carriers of pathogenic genetic variants associated with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune cell infiltration in the development of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a serious inherited heart condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death in young individuals. Using a mouse model with a specific genetic mutation, the study aims to determine how early immune responses affect the severity of ACM. The researchers will explore various treatment approaches, including gene therapy and immune signaling inhibition, to potentially prevent the onset of this condition. By focusing on the early immune-mediated events that lead to heart dysfunction, the research seeks to identify new preventative strategies for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventative therapies for individuals at risk of developing arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting early immune responses in ACM is innovative, similar research has shown promise in other cardiac conditions, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valdez, Steven Elias — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Valdez, Steven Elias
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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.