RNA tools to turn scar-forming heart cells into working heart muscle
Engineering RNA biodevices for precise modulation of fibroblasts to boost cardiac reprogramming
This project will create RNA-based tools to precisely reprogram scar-forming heart cells so they can become working heart muscle for people who have had a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing small RNA "biodevices" that can sense and change the behavior of fibroblasts, the scar-forming cells in the heart. They plan to tune these RNA tools so they act mainly in fibroblasts and avoid healthy heart muscle or blood vessel cells. Testing will start in lab-grown human cells and progress to preclinical heart models to measure conversion efficiency, reduction in scarring, and effects on heart function. The team will also study delivery methods and safety to limit off-target effects before any move toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had a recent heart attack and developed heart scarring or who are at high risk of heart failure from post-MI remodeling would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People without prior heart damage or those with very late-stage, irreversible heart failure or severe concurrent illnesses are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce scar tissue after a heart attack and help restore heart function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal work has shown fibroblasts can be turned into heart-like cells, but improving efficiency and achieving safe, targeted delivery in living hearts remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Jialiang — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Liang, Jialiang
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.