Understanding the Energy-Saving State in Human Heart Muscle
Structural basis of the super-relaxed state in human cardiac muscle
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11125828
This project aims to understand how heart muscle saves energy, which could help us learn more about inherited heart conditions and how medicines work.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11125828 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our hearts have a special way to save energy, called the "super-relaxed state," where some muscle components rest until needed. When this energy-saving state doesn't work right, it can lead to inherited heart diseases like cardiomyopathy. We are using advanced imaging techniques, like cryo-electron microscopy, to get a very detailed look at how this state works in human heart muscle. By understanding its structure, we hope to see how genetic changes cause disease and how current and future medicines might fix these problems. This work could lead to new ways to treat serious heart conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with inherited heart conditions like hypertrophic (HCM) or dilated (DCM) cardiomyopathy might eventually benefit from the insights gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients without cardiac muscle disorders or those whose conditions are not related to the super-relaxed state of myosin may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of inherited heart diseases and help develop new, more effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of the super-relaxed state is recognized, its precise structural basis, especially in human cardiac muscle and its relation to disease mutations and drug action, is largely undefined, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PADRON, RAUL — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: PADRON, RAUL
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 below.
Conditions: Cardiac Diseases, Cardiac Disorders