Stimulating heart cell growth to repair heart damage
Official title: Eliciting Cardiomyocyte Proliferation by Un-blocking Mitotic Transit
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10999389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help heart muscle cells grow and heal after damage, like from a heart attack, so that we can find new ways to improve recovery for people with heart issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $460,787 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171224-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced ischemic heart injury, particularly those under 21 years old and adults suffering from heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ischemic heart conditions or those who do not have significant heart muscle damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how heart muscle cells, known as cardiomyocytes, can be encouraged to divide and regenerate after injury, such as from a heart attack. The study aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that control the cell division process in these cells, which typically lose their ability to proliferate as we age. By exploring how to 'un-block' the natural cell division process, the researchers hope to develop new therapies that can enhance heart repair and improve patient outcomes. The approach involves detailed cellular biology techniques to investigate the factors that influence cardiomyocyte proliferation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve heart regeneration and recovery for patients with heart injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach to stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation is innovative, similar research has shown promise in understanding heart regeneration mechanisms, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Lu — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Han, Lu
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.