PSAT1 mRNA therapy to help the heart heal after a heart attack

PSAT1 modified mRNA induces cardiac repair post-ischemic heart injury

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-11382241

This work uses a temporary PSAT1 messenger RNA treatment to help adult hearts heal and regain function after a heart attack.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11382241 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will deliver a modified, short-lived PSAT1 mRNA directly to injured heart tissue using a controlled, non-integrating delivery method designed to be local and temporary. They will study how this treatment encourages heart muscle cells to re-enter the cell cycle and replace lost tissue, using laboratory and animal models and analyses of human stem-cell–derived vesicles to understand proteins involved. The team combines proteomics from human iPSC-derived extracellular vesicles with developmental gene databases to pinpoint how PSAT1 may drive regeneration. If safety and effects look promising in preclinical work, this approach could move toward early human trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults who recently suffered an ischemic heart attack with measurable heart muscle damage or early signs of reduced heart function would be the most likely candidates for future trials.

Not a fit: People with non-ischemic causes of heart failure, long-standing stable heart disease without recent injury, or active uncontrolled infections or immune disorders are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help the heart regrow muscle after a heart attack and improve long-term heart function, potentially lowering the risk of heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Modified mRNA delivery and iPSC-derived extracellular vesicles have shown promise in preclinical cardiac repair studies, but using PSAT1 mRNA for this purpose is a novel approach not yet proven in humans.

Where this research is happening

TAMPA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.