Changing heart cells to repair heart damage

Altering Cardiac Cell Fate for Heart Repair

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-10980563

This study is exploring a new way to help people with heart failure by turning certain heart-supporting cells into actual heart muscle cells, which could help repair damage from things like heart attacks and improve heart function.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10980563 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a new approach to treat heart failure by converting cardiac fibroblasts, which are cells that support heart structure, into functional heart muscle cells. The process involves delivering specific transcription factors that can reprogram these fibroblasts, potentially restoring heart function after damage such as a heart attack. The research builds on previous findings in animal models and aims to improve the methods for generating these new heart cells in humans, which could lead to better outcomes for patients with heart disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have experienced heart damage due to conditions like acute myocardial infarction and are suffering from heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac related health issues or those whose heart damage is not due to myocardial infarction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking therapy for heart repair, significantly improving the quality of life for patients with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in animal models for similar approaches, indicating potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cardiac Diseases, Cardiac Disorders, cardiac injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.