What causes bladder muscle weakness after blockage — the role of two muscle proteins
Mechanisms of contractile dysfunction in the obstructed bladder: Role of desmin and vimentin
This project looks at how two muscle proteins, desmin and vimentin, may cause bladder muscle weakness after prostate-related blockage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163434 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers compare bladder muscle tissue and cells from humans and mice with bladder outlet obstruction to see how desmin and vimentin change muscle function. They use molecular tests including gene expression profiling to find proteins that rise with these intermediate filaments, and they've identified a mitochondrial protein called G0S2. Lab experiments lower G0S2 levels to see if that reduces stress-signaling (JNK2), restores mitochondrial ATP, and improves muscle contractions. The goal is to connect these molecular changes to the reduced bladder contractility seen with benign prostatic enlargement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia and partial bladder outlet obstruction would be the most relevant group for related clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients whose bladder problems come from neurological disorders, infections, or non-obstructive causes are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets to improve bladder muscle energy and contraction, reducing urinary symptoms from prostate-related obstruction.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked desmin/vimentin and JNK2 to bladder dysfunction and show encouraging preliminary results, but turning these findings into patient treatments remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ettickan, Boopathi — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Ettickan, Boopathi
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.