Understanding how nerve activity affects heart disease
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of sympatho-excitation in cardiovascular disease
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-10936232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how overactive nerves in the body can make heart problems worse by releasing a substance called neuropeptide Y, and it aims to learn more about this process using special imaging techniques, which could help find new ways to treat heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $484,266 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL174439-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with heart failure or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiovascular diseases or those without any signs of sympathetic nervous system overactivity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of overactive sympathetic nerves in cardiovascular diseases, focusing on how these nerves release a substance called neuropeptide Y (NPY) that can worsen heart conditions. By using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers aim to observe the molecular changes in heart-related nerve cells that lead to increased NPY release. The study will involve co-culturing nerve cells from neonatal rats to better understand these processes. This work could provide insights into new treatment strategies for heart disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce the harmful effects of sympathetic nerve overactivity in heart disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that targeting sympathetic nerve activity can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akin, Elizabeth — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Akin, Elizabeth
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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.