Brainstem control of the heart-protecting vagus nerve
Molecular Neurogenetics of the Brainstem Neuronal Source of Cardioprotective Vagal Outflow
This project looks at brainstem nerve cells that drive the vagus nerve to protect the heart and seeks ways to boost those signals for people at risk of heart disease.
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-11123150 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks inside a small group of brainstem cells (the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, or DMV) that help control the vagus nerve’s protective effects on the heart. The team uses lab experiments in rats combined with computer-based analyses to measure microRNAs and mRNA activity in those neurons and find molecular switches that tune vagal outflow. They will integrate experimental and computational data to predict how changing those molecules could increase cardioprotective signals. The findings are preclinical but could point to targets for future therapies to raise vagal protection in people with heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with existing heart disease or those at high risk of cardiac events would be the eventual candidates for therapies that increase cardioprotective vagal activity.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment will not benefit directly now because this grant supports preclinical, animal-based research rather than an active clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify molecular targets to boost the vagus nerve’s heart-protective signals and lead to new treatments that reduce heart injury or improve recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies manipulating microRNAs and vagal pathways have shown promise in conditions like hypertension, but applying these approaches for heart protection remains largely preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwaber, James — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Schwaber, James
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.