Improving the maturity of heart cells derived from stem cells
Official title: Targeting Dysregulated Maturation Program in PSC-Cardiomyocytes
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11170696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why heart cells made from stem cells don’t grow up properly, and by figuring out how natural heart cells develop, the researchers hope to improve these stem cell heart cells so they can be used more effectively in treating heart conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $749,769 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171205-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to heart muscle dysfunction, such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those whose heart issues are unrelated to the maturation of cardiomyocytes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates why heart cells derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSC-CMs) do not mature properly, which limits their effectiveness in clinical applications. By creating a detailed map of gene expression in natural heart cells during maturation, the researchers have identified key genes that are improperly expressed in PSC-CMs. The project aims to manipulate these gene networks to enhance the maturation of PSC-CMs, potentially leading to better outcomes in cardiac repair and treatment. Patients may benefit from advancements in therapies that utilize these improved heart cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cardiac therapies using mature heart cells derived from stem cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing the maturation of stem cell-derived heart cells, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwon, Chulan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kwon, Chulan
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.