How a metabolic cycle drives scarring after a heart attack
Role of the PEP cycle in cardiac fibrosis
This project looks at whether a metabolic pathway called the PEP cycle helps heart fibroblasts make the collagen that causes scarring after a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238946 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After a heart attack, support cells called fibroblasts ramp up collagen production and create scar tissue that changes how the heart works. The team is studying a metabolic loop called the PEP cycle to see how it supplies the carbon and amino acids (like glycine and proline) needed for that heavy collagen making. They will examine fibroblasts from injured hearts and cells treated with fibrotic signals, and look at enzymes such as Pkm2 and Pck2 that appear to control the cycle. The goal is to map the steps that could be targeted to reduce harmful scarring and improve heart healing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have recently had a heart attack or who have evidence of cardiac scarring (cardiac fibrosis) would be the most likely candidates for related clinical follow-up or future trials.
Not a fit: Patients without ischemic heart injury or without cardiac fibrosis are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to limit harmful heart scarring after a heart attack and improve recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows changing fibroblast metabolism can reduce collagen production, but targeting the PEP cycle specifically is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hill, Bradford Guy — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Hill, Bradford Guy
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.