How tissue properties affect immune cell interactions in heart fibrosis
Official title: Tissue elasticity and viscosity modulates macrophage-fibroblast signaling in cardiac fibrosis
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11070902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and heart cells work together when the heart gets scarred, which can happen in conditions like heart disease, to find out how the stiffness and stretchiness of heart tissue affects their interactions, with the hope of discovering better ways to treat heart problems related to scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL178303-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cardiac fibrosis, such as heart failure or Marfan syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without any signs of fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between immune cells called macrophages and fibroblasts in the context of cardiac fibrosis, a condition where heart tissue becomes scarred. It aims to understand how the mechanical properties of tissue, such as elasticity and viscosity, influence these cell interactions during the inflammatory and healing phases of fibrosis. By using advanced techniques to mimic the natural environment of these cells, the study seeks to uncover the roles of both biochemical and mechanical signals in the development of cardiac fibrosis. This could lead to new insights into how to better manage or treat heart conditions related to fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with cardiac fibrosis, potentially reducing heart failure and improving heart function.
How similar studies have gone: While the effects of biochemical cues in cardiac fibrosis have been studied, the specific focus on mechanical stimuli in macrophage-fibroblast interactions is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atcha, Hamza — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Atcha, Hamza
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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.