Reprogramming the adult heart to heal itself

Metabolic Reprogramming of the Adult heart to a Regenerative State

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11026453

This study is looking at how to help adult hearts heal after a heart attack by blocking a specific enzyme, with the hope of encouraging heart cells to grow back and improve heart function, similar to how baby mice can naturally repair their hearts.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11026453 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how to stimulate the adult heart's ability to regenerate after damage, particularly following a heart attack. The team is exploring the role of a specific enzyme, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), in promoting heart tissue repair. By inhibiting this enzyme, they aim to encourage heart muscle cells to proliferate and restore normal heart function. The approach is based on findings from neonatal mice, which can regenerate their hearts after injury, and seeks to replicate this regenerative capacity in adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from heart failure or those who have experienced a myocardial infarction.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac related health issues or those who do not have heart damage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve recovery and quality of life for patients with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar approaches, particularly in animal models, but this specific method of SDH inhibition in adults is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

MADISON, 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.