How a specific cytokine affects heart failure and cardiac fibrosis
Official title: Regulation of Cardiac Fibrosis in Heart Failure by the Cytokine FAM3D
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11034204 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a substance called FAM3D to see how it affects heart failure, especially in reducing heart damage and inflammation, and it aims to find new ways to help people with heart problems feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $125,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HL177119-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034204 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing heart failure, particularly those with a history of cardiac events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart failure due to non-inflammatory causes or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cytokine FAM3D in heart failure, particularly how it influences cardiac fibrosis and inflammation. The study will involve both human plasma samples and animal models to understand the molecular mechanisms behind heart failure and the potential benefits of FAM3D in promoting cardiac health. By examining how FAM3D can limit heart damage and improve heart function, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for heart failure treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function and reduce hospitalization rates for patients with heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar cytokine studies in heart failure, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhee, James — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rhee, James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Epigenetic clues to stop heart scarring and failure
A patient-focused look at how turning off specific epigenetic signals may reduce heart scarring and improve heart function in people with heart failure.
-
15-PGDH–Related Breakthrough for Heart Fibrosis and Diastolic Heart Failure
A heart-disease study tests whether blocking a specific enzyme can reduce scar tissue in the heart and improve heart function in adults with conditions like hypertension and metabolic disease.
-
FAM3D's role in reducing heart scarring in heart failure
This project looks at whether the protein FAM3D can reduce inflammation and scarring in adults with heart failure.
-
Investigating how a specific enzyme affects heart tissue scarring and heart failure.
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme affects heart scarring and stiffness, and it aims to find ways to stop this process to help people with heart failure feel better and improve their heart function.
-
Investigating how AEBP1 contributes to heart tissue scarring after injury
This study is looking at a protein called AEBP1 to see how it affects heart healing after injury, with the hope of finding new treatments to help people recover better from heart problems.
-
AI-supported heart failure diagnosis and management in Rwanda
Aiming to help people with suspected heart failure in Rwanda get faster, more accurate diagnoses and better care using AI-guided ultrasound and care protocols.
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.