Mapping the vagus nerve cells that slow the heart
Molecular and Functional Taxonomy of Cardiovagal Neurons
We're mapping the specific vagus‑nerve cells that slow heart rate to help people with heart rhythm problems and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121053 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team is working to identify which brainstem neurons in the vagus nerve specifically lower heart rate. They use molecular profiling, neural tracing, advanced imaging, and physiological recordings in lab tissue and models to see each cell type's wiring and activity. The researchers will test how activating or silencing those neuron types changes heart rate and autonomic output. This foundational lab work is meant to reveal precise cellular targets that could be used for future human therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with abnormal heart rates, arrhythmias, or suspected autonomic nervous system dysfunction are the kinds of patients most likely to benefit from therapies built on this work.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research, patients seeking immediate new treatments or those with conditions unrelated to autonomic control are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to precise ways to control heart rate and lead to new treatments with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Similar molecular and circuit‑mapping methods have identified useful targets in other nervous‑system areas, but focusing specifically on cardiovagal neurons is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campbell, John Nelson — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Campbell, John Nelson
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.