Improving the Heart's Natural Pacemaker Function
Official title: Forcing the sinoatrial node pacemaker function
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11088189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how to create better biological pacemakers using stem cells to help older adults whose natural heart rhythm is slowing down.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 26, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159492-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant to older adults experiencing sinoatrial node dysfunction and those who might benefit from a biological pacemaker.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart rhythm issues not related to sinoatrial node dysfunction or those who are not candidates for pacemaker therapy may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Our heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node, can weaken with age, leading to irregular heartbeats. This project aims to develop biological pacemakers from human stem cells that could restore a healthy heart rhythm. We are working to understand how the environment around these stem cells, called the extracellular matrix, helps them develop and maintain their ability to set the heart's pace. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to overcome current challenges in creating long-lasting and effective biological pacemakers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new biological pacemaker treatments for patients with heart rhythm problems, potentially offering an alternative to electronic pacemakers.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of stem cell-derived pacemakers is an active area of investigation, this specific approach to understanding mechanotransduction in P-CMs is exploring novel mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieu, Deborah K — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Lieu, Deborah K
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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.