Understanding how protein stress affects heart function in genetic heart disease
Official title: Investigating the role of the Unfolded Protein Response in Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10998462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | January 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,756 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL167558-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998462 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, particularly those with known genetic mutations associated with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy or those with non-genetic forms of heart disease may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baum, Rachel — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Baum, Rachel
Related research
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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.