Repairing heart damage by changing heart cells
Epigenetic reprogramming of cardiac myofibroblasts for cardiac repair
['FUNDING_R01'] · AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11127488
This project looks at how we can reprogram certain heart cells to help repair damage after a heart attack and improve heart function.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
When the heart is damaged, like after a heart attack, certain cells called fibroblasts can become overactive and cause scarring, which makes heart failure worse. Our team found a specific protein, EZH2, that seems to stop these cells from becoming helpful. We are exploring how blocking EZH2 can encourage these cells to switch on genes that promote healing and new blood vessel growth. This approach aims to reduce scarring and improve the heart's ability to pump blood.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for patients interested in future therapies for heart damage and heart failure caused by conditions like a heart attack.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help the heart heal itself after injury, potentially improving the lives of people with heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of cell reprogramming is explored in other areas, the specific role of EZH2 in cardiac myofibroblasts for heart repair is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES
- AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY — AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TANG, YAO LIANG — AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: TANG, YAO LIANG
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.
Conditions: Brill-Symmers Disease