Long Noncoding RNA Therapy for Precision Cardiac Repair
Official title: Developing Long Noncoding RNA Therapy for Precision Cardiac Repair
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11399893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A heart-disease focused project uses tiny lipid particles to deliver guiding RNA that could reduce scarring after heart injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $661,760 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL146153-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with heart disease at risk of or suffering from myocardial fibrosis and related cardiac injury may be candidates for future translational trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without heart fibrosis or those unable to receive nanoparticle-delivered RNA therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to use lipid nanoparticle carriers to deliver a specific noncoding RNA to the heart, with the goal of preventing or reducing fibrosis after heart damage. Building on earlier findings, the team plans to harness lncRNA-TARID to boost protective Tcf21 activity and suppress harmful myofibroblast activation. The approach involves creating GMP-grade delivery systems and testing their safety and potential to improve heart repair, with an emphasis on translational potential for patients with heart disease. The work bridges basic biology and practical therapy development, aiming for a future where fewer patients progress to heart failure due to fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could lessen heart scarring and improve heart function after injury, potentially reducing the risk of heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies showed promise in RNA-based delivery for cardiac repair, but clinical translation remains ahead; this project seeks to advance toward human trials.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Ke — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Ke
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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.