Genes that control heart growth and repair
Genetic circuitry governing heart growth and repair
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11293419
This work looks at how specific genes and signals stop heart cells from growing and whether changing them could help hearts repair after a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11293419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying why adult mammals lose the ability to regrow heart muscle after injury by comparing animals that can regenerate (like zebrafish and newborn mice) with those that cannot. They focus on a gene called Bcl6 and on neurohormonal signals tied to body temperature that appear to tell heart cells to stop dividing. The team uses RNA sequencing and genetic experiments in animal models to see if reducing Bcl6 or changing those signals can keep heart cells dividing and promote repair. If the approach works in animals, it could guide future therapies aimed at regenerating lost heart muscle in people who have had heart attacks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had a recent heart attack or who are living with heart failure and are interested in future regenerative therapy opportunities would be the most relevant candidates to follow or participate in related clinical work.
Not a fit: People without heart disease or those needing immediate emergency care are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to stimulate heart muscle regeneration and reduce progression to heart failure after a heart attack.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that changing developmental pathways can restore heart cell proliferation in mice and zebrafish, but translating those findings into safe, effective human treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUANG, GUO — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: HUANG, GUO
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.