miRNA-guided approaches to find new treatments for dilated cardiomyopathy
Using miRNA to identify new therapeutic pathways for dilated cardiomyopathy
This project looks at tiny RNA molecules in lab-grown human heart cells to find new treatment targets for people with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164745 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use stem cells from people with dilated cardiomyopathy to grow heart cells in the lab and study microRNAs that are increased in failing hearts. They will compare microRNAs that appear to help the heart versus those that harm it, including whether some effects depend on a person’s specific genetic variant. The team uses an experimental platform with patient-derived iPSC-cardiomyocytes and molecular testing to map how these microRNAs work. This is lab-based, preclinical work aimed at identifying targets for future therapies rather than providing treatments to patients now.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with dilated cardiomyopathy—especially those with known pathogenic gene variants or who can provide tissue or blood samples for iPSC creation—would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without dilated cardiomyopathy or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because the work is preclinical and lab-based.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new, targeted therapies tailored to certain genetic forms of dilated cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies using iPSC-derived heart cells and microRNA approaches have produced promising preclinical leads, but clinical translation remains limited so this approach is still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Briganti, Francesca — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Briganti, Francesca
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.