Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Arizona received a $1.57 million Project Grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), awarded June 5, 2026, with completion targeted for February 29, 2028. The grant supports basic science research investigating ATF6 (Activating Transcription Factor 6) as a regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis in atrial myocytes. The research focuses on understanding how ATF6 regulates the unfolded protein response (UPR) to maintain protein homeostasis in the ER secretory pathway, which is critical for synthesis and secretion of hormonal peptides such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) that regulate blood pressure. The study extends prior findings from ventricular myocytes to the atrial context, where the classical ER secretory pathway is particularly important for endocrine function.

The research deliverables include mechanistic investigations into ATF6-dependent regulation of "service" proteins resident in the ER secretory pathway, examination of ATF6 upregulation in response to conditions stimulating ANP synthesis, and evaluation of how ATF6 deletion affects hormone production and secretory pathway integrity. This basic science research contributes to the NHLBI's broader portfolio supporting cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment through investigation of fundamental pathological mechanisms in heart function and disease.