How mitochondria from heart muscle cells influence nearby support cells
Mitochondria in cardiomyocyte-fibroblast transcellular cross-talk
This project looks at whether whole mitochondria released by heart muscle cells change how support cells respond after heart injury in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will read about research that explores whether intact mitochondria released from heart muscle cells act as signals to nearby fibroblasts that control scarring. The team uses genetically modified mice lacking PI3Kγ and normal mice, isolates material secreted by heart cells, and looks for mitochondrial markers using dyes and electron microscopy. They separate secreted material by density and use proteomics to see which mitochondrial proteins are present and how much mitochondria are released. The researchers want to know if this mitochondrial transfer drives support cells to become scar-forming myofibroblasts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with heart muscle injury, heart failure, or cardiac fibrosis are the most relevant group who could eventually benefit or join related clinical work.
Not a fit: People without heart muscle injury or with non-fibrotic heart conditions may not get direct benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If true, targeting mitochondrial signaling could reduce harmful heart scarring and improve recovery after heart injury.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies have shown cells can shed or transfer mitochondria, but using this mechanism to alter heart scarring is largely new and not yet tested clinically.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prasad, Sathyamangla V — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Prasad, Sathyamangla V
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.