Investigating how to convert heart cells to repair damage after heart attacks

Post-transcriptional mechanisms of direct cardiac reprogramming

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10947754

This study is looking for new ways to help heal heart damage after a heart attack by turning certain heart cells into new heart muscle cells, and it's for anyone interested in better treatments for heart recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10947754 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding ways to regenerate heart muscle cells lost during heart attacks by transforming cardiac fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells. The team will explore the role of specific proteins and genetic factors that influence this transformation, particularly looking at post-transcriptional mechanisms that affect gene expression. By utilizing advanced techniques like ATAC-seq, they aim to identify how these factors can be manipulated to enhance cell reprogramming. The ultimate goal is to develop a more effective treatment for heart damage that could improve recovery and heart function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced a heart attack and are seeking new treatment options for heart regeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those who have not experienced heart damage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that restore heart function in patients who have suffered heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in similar approaches to cardiac regeneration, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.