Tuesday, December 16, 2025 12/16/2025

Modeling myosin mechanobiology towards understanding the mechanisms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Award Number: R00HL153679
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/01/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2027

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Modeling myosin mechanobiology towards understanding the mechanisms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - PROJECT SUMMARY: This proposed project focuses on understanding how mutations in beta cardiac myosin with diverse and often opposing effects on myosin molecular function contribute to similar disease phenotypes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): cardiomyocyte (CM) hypertrophy, hypercontractility, and tissue fibrosis. Understanding disease mechanisms and the heterogeneity of phenotypes across multiple scales (molecular, cellular, and clinical) will enable the development of better and more individualized therapies for patients with HCM. The first aim of this proposal will clarify the mechanisms by which altered intracellular forces affect intracellular signaling and CM hypertrophy. The second aim will use computational modeling to examine how alterations to interrelated parameters of myosin function change force production temporally and spatially. The third aim will define how altered extracellular mechanics affect CM and cardiac fibroblast phenotypes. The proposal uses several innovative molecular, cellular, bioengineering, and computational modeling tools to examine and contextualize the role of altered cellular mechanics in driving changes in cardiac cell phenotypes. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in human induced pluripotent stem cells provides a model system to investigate the effects of specific mutations in a dynamic cellular context. Micropatterned engineered platforms will be used to improve myofibril alignment and allow direct measurement of intracellular force production by traction force microscopy. Molecular biology and transcriptomic techniques will be used to measure changes in intracellular signaling and gene expression in response to mechanical perturbation. Another innovation is the novel application of a vinculin tension sensor FRET probe to directly measure intracellular forces at sarcomere Z disks and at cellular adhesions. Together these platforms will allow direct validation of temporal and spatial cellular forces predicted using computational modeling (molecular myosin models and cell-specific finite element models). Finally, investigating the effect of altered extracellular mechanics on CM function and cardiac fibroblast activation in engineered environments will give insights into the effects of fibrotic remodeling. The research and career development training plans will enable the transition of Dr. Vander Roest to an independent career. During the mentored (K99 phase) of this proposal, Dr. Vander Roest will develop technical skills in molecular biomechanics, FRET measurements, and transcriptome analysis, and expand her skills in computational modeling in the context of cardiac disease. This training will take place at Stanford University, under the mentorship of Drs. Bernstein and Spudich, as well as an expert trans-disciplinary advisory committee, including 2 experts in computational modeling (Drs. Regnier and Campbell). The development of these skills will support the research plan for the independent phase of this project, combining new skills and experience gained during this award with Dr. Vander Roest’s past experience in myofibroblast mechanobiology to facilitate a successful transition to independence.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2026	2025	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN	1109 GEDDES AVE STE 3300	ANN ARBOR	MI	48109	WASHTENAW	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	5	11/4/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $249,000 )
2025	2025	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN	1109 GEDDES AVE STE 3300	ANN ARBOR	MI	48109	WASHTENAW	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	5	2/14/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$249,000
														Subtotal = $249,000

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $379,299 )
2024	2024	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN	1109 GEDDES AVE, SUITE 3300	ANN ARBOR	MI	48109	WASHTENAW	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	001	4	1/20/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$249,000
2024	2023	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN	1109 GEDDES AVE, SUITE 3300	ANN ARBOR	MI	48109	WASHTENAW	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	3	12/11/2023	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$130,299
														Subtotal = $379,299

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $352,599 )
2023	2023	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN	1109 GEDDES AVE, SUITE 3300	ANN ARBOR	MI	48109	WASHTENAW	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	001	3	8/18/2023	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$103,600
2023	2023	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN	503 THOMPSON STREET	ANN ARBOR	MI	48109	WASHTENAW	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	3	1/23/2023	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$248,999
														Subtotal = $352,599

Grand Total All Awards = $980,898

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Modeling myosin mechanobiology towards understanding the mechanisms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Award Number: R00HL153679

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/01/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2027

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