Helping damaged hearts heal by controlling YAP and the cell skeleton
Cytoskeletal Control of Yap in Heart Regeneration
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11142534
This project aims to activate a protein called YAP to help adults with heart damage after heart attacks heal and improve heart function.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11142534 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the cell skeleton and chemical tags (like acetylation) control where YAP sits inside heart cells and how that affects heart repair. They will use lab models including mice and pigs and examine human heart tissue or samples to trace the molecular switches that let YAP enter the cell nucleus and turn on growth genes. The team will test ways to change those switches so damaged cardiac muscle can re-enter the cell cycle and regenerate. Findings will be used to guide development of treatments that could one day be tested in people with ischemic cardiomyopathy or heart failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with prior myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, or heart failure would be the most likely candidates for therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: People with non-ischemic forms of heart disease, congenital heart defects, or those under 21 years old may not benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that help the heart regrow damaged muscle after a heart attack and improve heart function in people with ischemic heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Related experiments that increased YAP activity have reversed heart failure in mice and pigs, but translation to safe and effective human therapies has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARTIN, JAMES F — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: MARTIN, JAMES F
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.