How the heart's outer layer helps regrow heart muscle in zebrafish
Mechanisms controlling epicardial-dependent promotion of heart regeneration in zebrafish.
This research looks at how the heart's outer lining (the epicardium) sends signals that help regrow heart muscle after injury, aiming to benefit people who have had heart attacks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have had a heart attack, this research studies why zebrafish can regrow heart muscle while human hearts typically scar. Scientists are focusing on the epicardium (the heart's outer layer) and the molecular signals it uses to encourage heart muscle cells to divide and repair damage. The team uses zebrafish models and modern gene-mapping methods to identify the cells and factors that trigger successful regeneration. The goal is to use those discoveries to guide therapies that one day could help human hearts heal better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is laboratory work that does not enroll patients now, but its results could lead to future trials for adults who have experienced a myocardial infarction.
Not a fit: Because the project is conducted in zebrafish and lab models, it offers no direct treatment or immediate benefit to patients today.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal biological targets to boost heart repair after myocardial infarction, potentially reducing scarring and improving heart function.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work shows epicardial activation and epicardial cell therapies can improve heart repair in animal and lab models, though successful human treatments have not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Jingli — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Cao, Jingli
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.