Understanding how protein stress affects heart function in genetic heart disease

Investigating the role of the Unfolded Protein Response in Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10998462

This study is looking at how a specific stress response in heart cells might help people with Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) feel better, by using heart cells made from patients' own stem cells to see how they react to problems caused by misfolded proteins.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10998462 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) in patients with Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition that leads to heart failure. By using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) from patients with DCM mutations, the study aims to explore how these cells respond to stress caused by misfolded proteins. The researchers will examine the activation of the UPR and its potential to improve heart cell function, providing insights into new therapeutic strategies for DCM.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, particularly those with known genetic mutations associated with the condition.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy or those with non-genetic forms of heart disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart failure in patients with genetic DCM.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using similar approaches to study heart diseases, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.