Investigating how fibroblast signaling affects heart tissue scarring
Official title: Fibroblast TAK1 signaling in cardiac fibrosis
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10996079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain heart cells called fibroblasts react when the heart is under stress, like during a heart attack, and how this might lead to scarring in the heart; the goal is to find new ways to help prevent or lessen this scarring for people with heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | December 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HL165813-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiovascular diseases characterized by cardiac fibrosis, such as those who have experienced heart attacks or have chronic heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those without any signs of cardiac fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of fibroblasts in cardiac fibrosis, a condition that contributes to various cardiovascular diseases. It examines how these cells change in response to heart stressors like pressure overload or heart attacks, leading to excessive scarring in heart tissue. The study will explore the signaling pathways involved, particularly the role of a protein called TAK1, which may influence the behavior of fibroblasts and their contribution to heart tissue damage. By analyzing these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing or reducing fibrosis in the heart.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce heart tissue scarring, improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting fibroblast signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Daniel — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Daniel
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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.