Understanding how small molecules can improve heart function
Official title: Mechanisms and discovery of small-molecule effectors targeting cardiac ion pumps
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11176880 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain small molecules can help improve heart function by boosting the calcium pump and slowing down the sodium pump, which could lead to safer and better treatments for heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,627 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL176212-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176880 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with heart failure or those at risk of developing heart-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not have heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how small molecules can activate the cardiac calcium pump and inhibit the cardiac sodium pump, both of which are crucial for heart function. By using advanced experimental and computational methods, the team aims to uncover the structural mechanisms behind these processes. This could lead to the development of new heart failure therapies that are safer and more effective for patients. The research focuses on overcoming current challenges in drug discovery related to these cardiac ion pumps.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for heart failure that improve heart function without harmful side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cardiac ion pumps for heart failure therapies, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Espinoza-Fonseca, Lennane Michel — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Espinoza-Fonseca, Lennane Michel
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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.