Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11617730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $72,980 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL174510-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with atrial fibrillation or those at risk of AF who may benefit from therapies targeting fibrosis pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with AF due to causes unrelated to atrial fibrosis may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how communication between atrial cardiomyocytes and atrial fibroblasts contributes to heart tissue fibrosis and AF progression. It focuses on a paracrine signaling molecule called calcitonin and its receptor, and how microRNA and BMP1 signaling affect this pathway. The work aims to identify new targets that could lead to therapies that reduce fibrosis and limit AF complications. The study uses molecular and cellular approaches to dissect the CT/CTR pathway in human-relevant heart tissue contexts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets to prevent or slow AF-related fibrosis and improve treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests CT signaling reduces fibrotic protein production in atrial cells, indicating potential for new therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wehrens, Xander H.t. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wehrens, Xander H.t.
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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.