Finding new ways to control heart tissue scarring and inflammation using zebrafish
Official title: Identifying new regulators of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation using zebrafish
Funded at Boston College · NIH-10912073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called Tnni3k affects heart scarring, which can lead to heart failure, using zebrafish to learn more about how this gene works and how we might prevent or lessen heart damage in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $391,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164749-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cardiac injury or those at risk for heart disease, particularly younger adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established heart failure or advanced cardiac fibrosis may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific gene, Tnni3k, in the development of cardiac fibrosis, which is the scarring of heart tissue that can lead to heart failure. By using zebrafish as a model organism, the researchers aim to understand how variations in this gene affect the heart's response to injury and the progression of fibrosis. The study involves genetic manipulation and observation of heart tissue changes in zebrafish to identify potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to prevent or reduce heart tissue scarring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce cardiac fibrosis, improving outcomes for patients with heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting genetic factors to mitigate cardiac fibrosis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez-Rosa, Juan Manuel — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez-Rosa, Juan Manuel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Interface between immune cells and scarring in the eye
This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
-
How often to treat schistosomiasis to protect the liver
A randomized trial will test different frequencies ofPraziquantel treatment to prevent liver damage in people aged 15–40 with schistosomiasis in Uganda.
-
Metabolic changes in cells that repair blood vessels in the eye lens to prevent scarring
A drug or approach that changes how certain cells that repair blood vessels in the eye work, to prevent scarring behind the retina in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This project studies heart tissue changes in women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who are on antiretroviral therapy, to understand why they’re at higher risk for heart problems as they age.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This grant studies heart tissue changes in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa to understand why heart failure risk is higher in this group.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
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.