Investigating how heart cells can recover and regenerate after injury
Official title: Modulators of cardiomyocyte structure to promote functional recovery during cardiac regeneration and repair
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10889261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart cells heal after an injury and what makes them work better, especially by comparing how fish and adult mammals recover, to find new ways to help people with heart problems heal more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $519,906 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170547-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced cardiac injuries or conditions that impair heart function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related health issues or those who do not have any history of heart injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how heart cells, known as cardiomyocytes, respond to injury and how their structure can be modified to promote healing. The study examines the differences in heart regeneration between lower organisms, like zebrafish, and adult mammals, which struggle to regenerate heart tissue. By identifying specific proteins that influence whether heart cells grow or become dysfunctional after injury, the research aims to develop new strategies to enhance heart repair in adults. The approach includes screening for proteins that affect cell communication and structure during the healing process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart recovery and function in patients after cardiac injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in lower organisms has shown promising results in heart regeneration, suggesting that similar approaches in humans could be beneficial, although this specific application is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'meara, Caitlin C — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: O'meara, Caitlin C
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.