New methods to convert heart scar cells into heart muscle cells
Official title: Novel approaches for cardiac reprogramming: Exosome delivery of reprogramming miRNAs and repressor targeting siRNAs
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11101673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to turn scar tissue in the heart into healthy heart muscle cells, which could help improve heart function after an injury, and it's designed for people who have experienced heart damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $496,367 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL178582-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have experienced cardiac injuries, such as heart attacks, and have developed scar tissue in their hearts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without significant heart injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates innovative ways to transform scar tissue cells in the heart into functional heart muscle cells, which could improve heart function after injury. The approach involves delivering specific molecules that can enhance this transformation while overcoming barriers that currently limit effectiveness. By targeting these molecules directly to the heart tissue after an injury has stabilized, the research aims to optimize the timing and delivery of these reprogramming factors. The study will explore the mechanisms that inhibit this process and test new strategies in a mouse model of cardiac injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart function and recovery for patients with heart injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in similar approaches to cardiac reprogramming, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hodgkinson, Conrad — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Hodgkinson, Conrad
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.