NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how oxidative stress affects heart function through calcium channels

Official title: New mechanisms of cardiac ryanodine receptor dysfunction during oxidative stress: the role of intersubunit cross-linking

Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11019605 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific part of heart cells, called the ryanodine receptor, is affected by stress in the body, which can mess with how calcium is released and cause heart problems, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with heart issues like heart attacks.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLoyola University Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Maywood, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2025
Project endNovember 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$634,183
NIH project number1R01HL176568-01
Project IDNIH-11019605 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiac diseases, particularly those experiencing conditions related to oxidative stress and calcium dysregulation.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those whose heart issues are unrelated to oxidative stress may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) in heart function, particularly how oxidative stress impacts calcium release, which is crucial for heart contractions. The study aims to identify specific cysteine residues in the RyR that are affected by oxidative stress, leading to dysfunction in calcium homeostasis. By using a transgenic mouse model, researchers will explore the mechanisms behind this dysfunction and how it relates to common cardiac conditions like myocardial infarction. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for new therapeutic strategies to improve heart health in patients suffering from ischemic heart diseases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function and reduce the risk of serious cardiac events in patients with heart disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding calcium dysregulation in cardiac diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Loyola University Chicago
    Maywood, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zima, Aleksey V — Loyola University Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Zima, Aleksey V

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.