Understanding how myosin affects heart function in dilated cardiomyopathy
Official title: The myosin super-relaxed state and human dilated cardiomyopathy
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11074049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain proteins in your heart muscle work and how we can change their activity to help improve heart function for people with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,322 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170558-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those experiencing reduced heart function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart conditions unrelated to dilated cardiomyopathy or those who do not have any cardiac dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that leads to heart failure. It focuses on the role of myosin motors in heart muscle contractions and how their activity can be altered to improve heart function. By examining the super-relaxed state of myosin, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could enhance contractility in patients with this condition. The study will utilize biochemical assays and molecular techniques to explore these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function and quality of life for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting myosin activity to improve heart function, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wellette-Hunsucker, Austin — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Wellette-Hunsucker, Austin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Discovery of rare genetic variants linked to dilated cardiomyopathy using big biobank data
A large-scale genetic study will look for rare gene variants that affect dilated cardiomyopathy to improve how we diagnose and manage the condition.
-
Understanding how muscle ribosome mutations cause severe neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy and ways to treat it
This grant focuses on a rare genetic heart condition in newborns caused by mutations in a muscle-specific ribosomal protein, with hopes to find new ways to diagnose and treat it.
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Unlocking how rare genetic changes cause dilated cardiomyopathy
A large study will look at genetic data from many people to understand which rare variants affect dilated cardiomyopathy and how this changes risk and treatment.
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Role of Lmod2 in heart muscle and dilated cardiomyopathy
This NIH grant explores how a heart-specific protein (Lmod2) helps heart cells contract properly and how its problems can cause dilated cardiomyopathy in infants and children.
-
Targeting DNA Damage Pathways in LMNA-Related Heart Disease
A study to understand how damaged DNA and inflammatory signals contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations and explore therapies that can protect the heart.
-
Using miRNA to find new treatment paths for dilated cardiomyopathy
Researchers are studying heart-muscle disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) to discover miRNA-based clues that could lead to targeted therapies for patients.
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.