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-11181802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart cells heal after an injury and aims to find ways to help them recover better, using zebrafish as a model since they can fully regenerate their hearts, which could lead to new treatments for heart conditions that might help patients like you.
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, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,824 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL170547-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11181802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing cardiac dysfunction or injury, particularly those with conditions that impair heart cell regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related health issues or those whose heart conditions are not related to regenerative capabilities 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 recovery can be improved. By studying lower organisms like zebrafish, which can fully regenerate their hearts, the research aims to identify specific proteins that influence whether heart cells grow back or become dysfunctional after damage. The approach involves manipulating these proteins to encourage heart cell proliferation and proper integration during the healing process. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for heart conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that enhance heart recovery and regeneration in patients with cardiac injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in lower organisms have shown promising results in heart regeneration, suggesting that similar approaches in humans could be beneficial.
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.