Investigating calcium signaling in heart tissue fibrosis
Official title: Calcium Signaling Mechanisms in Cardiac Fibrogenesis
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-10981459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how calcium signals in heart cells can lead to scarring in the heart, which is a common problem in heart diseases, and aims to find new ways to help people with these conditions by focusing on specific molecules that could be targeted for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $680,831 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL171486-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with heart diseases characterized by fibrosis, such as heart failure or hypertrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without heart disease or those whose conditions do not involve cardiac fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how calcium signaling contributes to the development of fibrosis in heart tissue, which is a common issue in various heart diseases. The researchers aim to identify specific molecules in cardiac fibroblasts that are involved in this process, particularly those activated by TGFβ, a key factor in fibrosis. By studying the TRPM7 channel, which allows calcium to enter cells, the team hopes to uncover new therapeutic targets that could help prevent or reduce heart fibrosis. This could lead to innovative treatments for patients suffering from heart conditions characterized by fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively reduce or prevent heart fibrosis, improving outcomes for patients with heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting calcium signaling pathways for therapeutic purposes, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treating cardiac fibrosis.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yue, Lixia — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Yue, Lixia
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.