Improving heart health by reducing scar tissue in cardiac organoids
Official title: Amelioration of Cardiac Fibrosis Using Diverse Cell Village Human Cardiac Organoids
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11067356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by testing different approved medications to see if they can stop heart cells from turning into scar tissue, using tiny heart models made from human stem cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 2, 2025 |
| Project end | May 1, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,756 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL174081-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy or those at risk of developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of heart disease unrelated to cardiac fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to reduce cardiac fibrosis, which is the buildup of scar tissue in the heart that can lead to serious conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The approach involves using human cardiac organoids created from diverse stem cell lines to test the effects of various FDA-approved compounds on fibroblast activation. By understanding how these compounds can prevent the transformation of fibroblasts into scar tissue-producing cells, the research aims to find effective treatments for patients with DCM. The study will also validate findings in a mouse model to ensure the results are applicable to human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve heart function and quality of life for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using 3D organoid models to study cardiac conditions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zushin, Peter James Heliker — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Zushin, Peter James Heliker
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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.