Reprogramming heart cells to improve cardiac repair
Official title: Epigenetic reprogramming of cardiac myofibroblasts for cardiac repair
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10861039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to change certain heart cells to help them heal better after a heart injury, like a heart attack, by focusing on a specific enzyme called EZH2, which could lead to new treatments for people with heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $498,828 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169964-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with a history of heart failure or myocardial infarction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those who do not have heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to modify cardiac myofibroblasts, a type of heart cell that can contribute to heart failure, to promote better heart repair after injury. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the researchers aim to understand the role of a specific enzyme, EZH2, in these cells. The goal is to inhibit EZH2 to encourage myofibroblasts to adopt beneficial properties that can enhance heart function following a heart attack. This approach could lead to new therapies for patients suffering from heart conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve heart function and recovery after cardiac events.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for cardiac repair, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
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.