Helping the heart regrow muscle by improving signals between heart cells
Explore the roles of intercellular communication in cardiomyocyte proliferation and renewal.
This research looks at how communication between blood vessel cells and heart muscle cells might help adults with heart damage regrow heart muscle.
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 ID | NIH-11247476 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how low-oxygen conditions and oxygen-sensing proteins called PHDs in blood vessel (endothelial) cells affect the ability of adult heart muscle cells to divide and replace lost tissue. The team will use lab models, including animal experiments and cell studies, to trace signals sent from endothelial cells to cardiomyocytes. They will manipulate endothelial PHD activity and measure cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart recovery after injury. The goal is to identify pathways that could be targeted to encourage the heart to repair itself.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have had a heart attack or who have heart failure due to loss of heart muscle are the most likely long-term beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People without heart muscle damage or those with long-standing, irreversible scarring of the heart are less likely to benefit from therapies that boost cell proliferation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that stimulate the heart to regenerate muscle and improve recovery after heart attack or in heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that low-oxygen conditions can prompt some heart cells to proliferate in animals, but turning that into safe, effective treatments for people is not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Liang — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Xie, Liang
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.