Investigating how immune cells affect heart changes in atrial fibrillation
Macrophage heterogeneity in atrial remodeling
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the heart might affect changes that happen during atrial fibrillation, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with this condition, using tissue samples from patients having heart surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893514 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in the changes that occur in the heart's atria during conditions like atrial fibrillation. By using advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers will analyze how these cells contribute to heart remodeling and the development of fibrosis. The study aims to identify specific macrophage subsets that may promote or inhibit these harmful changes, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients undergoing heart surgery will provide human tissue samples to enhance the findings from animal models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with atrial fibrillation or other related atrial diseases who are undergoing heart surgery.
Not a fit: Patients without atrial fibrillation or those not undergoing any cardiac procedures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse atrial remodeling, improving heart function and reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in heart diseases, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hulsmans, Maarten — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hulsmans, Maarten
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 below.