Asporin's role in heart scarring and repair
Asporin, an extracellular protein, regulates cardiac remodeling
This work looks at whether a natural heart protein called asporin can limit scarring and protect heart muscle cells after damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118930 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the protein asporin, produced by heart fibroblasts, influences scarring and survival of heart muscle cells during remodeling after injury. In laboratory-grown cells and animal models they will examine whether asporin blocks TGFβ-driven fibrosis and stimulates autophagy in cardiomyocytes. The team will test delivering protective ASPN-related peptides or genes (using AAV9 vectors) to see if boosting asporin improves heart repair. The goal is to define the mechanisms so new asporin-based therapies can be developed for heart failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had a heart attack or are developing heart failure because of fibrotic remodeling would be the most likely candidates for related future therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart problems are driven mainly by valve disease, primary electrical disorders, or other causes not related to fibrosis or cardiomyocyte loss may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that reduce heart scarring and keep heart muscle cells alive, lowering the risk of heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Other preclinical work on related extracellular matrix proteins has shown protective effects in heart injury, but using asporin in the heart is a newer and less tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker, Sarah J — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Parker, Sarah J
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.