Investigating how specific proteins affect heart cell activity and fibrosis
Official title: Functional and mechanistic delineation of HuR-Wisp1 signaling on myofibroblast activity
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11080335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called HuR affects heart cells that help the heart heal after injury, with the goal of finding new ways to treat heart problems caused by scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $649,059 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166326-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cardiac diseases, particularly those experiencing cardiac fibrosis or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those without any signs of cardiac fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the protein HuR influences the behavior of cardiac fibroblasts, which are cells that play a crucial role in heart remodeling after injury. By studying the signaling pathways involved, the research aims to uncover how these fibroblasts transition into myofibroblasts, which contribute to cardiac fibrosis. The approach includes examining the effects of HuR and its interaction with another protein, Wisp1, to determine their roles in heart cell function and fibrosis. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for heart conditions related to fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that improve heart function and reduce fibrosis in patients with cardiac diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating fibroblast activity for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tranter, Michael — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Tranter, Michael
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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.