NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how proteins involved in heart cell adhesion affect arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Official title: Characterizing regulatory mechanisms of desmosomal protein expression in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11031314 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain proteins that help heart cells stick together are affected in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), with the hope of finding new ways to help people with this heart condition feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$77,284
NIH project number5F32HL172624-02
Project IDNIH-11031314 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy or those with a family history of the condition.

Less likely to help

Patients with other forms of heart disease unrelated to desmosomal protein dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which desmosomal proteins, crucial for heart cell adhesion, are regulated in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). The study will utilize molecular and theoretical approaches to analyze changes in gene expression and protein levels associated with the disease. By employing human induced pluripotent stem cells and mouse models, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient care for those affected by ACM. The goal is to better understand how disruptions in these proteins contribute to the progression of the disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of desmosomal proteins in heart diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ellis, Matthew W — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Ellis, Matthew W

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.