Espinoza-Fonseca Lab

Research focus

NIH R01 · 2024

Mechanisms and discovery of small-molecule effectors targeting cardiac ion pumps

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The overarching goal of our proposed research is to determine the mechanisms underlying small-molecule activation of the cardiac calcium pump (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, SERCA), and the discovery of new classes of small-molecule inhibitors of the cardiac sodium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase, NKA). SERCA and NKA play a key role in the excitation-contraction-relaxation cycle in normal and pathological cardiac muscle and are validated pharmacological targets for heart failure (HF) therapies. Therefore, drug discovery and development targeting these pumps unlock exciting new opportunities for developing HF therapies that are directed at the heart. However, challenges…

From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.