Understanding how thick filaments work in heart muscle health and disease
Official title: Thick filament regulation mechanisms in healthy and diseased myocardium
Funded at Illinois Institute of Technology · NIH-10999393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of heart muscle work, especially in people with heart conditions caused by genetic changes, to find new ways to treat these issues more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Illinois Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $355,860 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171657-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999393 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cardiomyopathies, particularly those with genetic mutations affecting sarcomeric proteins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart conditions unrelated to sarcomere dysregulation or those without a genetic basis for their cardiomyopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that regulate thick filaments in heart muscle, particularly in conditions known as cardiomyopathies, which are often caused by genetic mutations. By studying porcine myocardium, which closely resembles human heart tissue, the research aims to uncover how these thick filament mechanisms affect muscle function. The goal is to identify new drug targets that could lead to more effective treatments for heart diseases, moving beyond current therapies that mainly address symptoms. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel therapies tailored to the underlying causes of their heart conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that address the root causes of heart muscle diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding thick filament regulation in muscle function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights and potential breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weikang Ma, Weikang Ma Weikang Ma — Illinois Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Weikang Ma, Weikang Ma Weikang Ma
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.