Investigating how calcitonin affects heart cells to reduce atrial fibrillation
Official title: Targeting the Calcitonin-BMP1 Pathway in Atrial Cardiofibroblasts to Ameliorate Atrial Fibrillation
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11076176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called calcitonin can help control certain heart cells that contribute to atrial fibrillation by making too much collagen, and it hopes to find new ways to treat this condition for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $52,037 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HL167574-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076176 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, particularly those experiencing complications due to excessive fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atrial fibrillation or those with other unrelated cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of calcitonin in regulating atrial cardio-fibroblasts, which are cells that contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF) by producing excessive collagen. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this process and how calcitonin can inhibit the activity of BMP1, a protein that promotes fibrosis. By using advanced techniques, including CRISPR, the researchers will explore how manipulating these pathways can lead to new treatments for AF. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies for managing their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using calcitonin to reduce fibrosis in heart tissue, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Kevin Son — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ho, Kevin Son
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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.