Targeting immune and fibroblast crosstalk in genetic dilated cardiomyopathy
Official title: Targeting Immune-Fibroblast Crosstalk in Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11339410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused program aims to understand how inflammation and fibroblasts interact in genetic dilated cardiomyopathy to identify new ways to slow or stop damaging heart remodeling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $768,830 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL185054-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11339410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with genetic dilated cardiomyopathy who might contribute samples for iPSC-based studies or participate in future translational trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without this specific genetic form of DCM or those not eligible for related downstream trials may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses patient-derived stem cells to grow 3D heart tissue in the lab and tests how inflammatory signals affect fibroblasts and immune cells. Researchers combine gene editing, single-cell analyses, and mouse models to map how these interactions drive fibrosis and heart dysfunction. The goal is to pinpoint targets that could be addressed with future therapies to improve heart function for people with genetic DCM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new therapies that reduce fibrosis and preserve heart function in patients with genetic dilated cardiomyopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in cardiomyopathy have shown immune-fibroblast interactions as a therapeutic target, and this project builds on those findings with patient-derived models.
Where this research is happening
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Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Joseph C. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Wu, Joseph C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Discovery of rare genetic variants linked to dilated cardiomyopathy using big biobank data
A large-scale genetic study will look for rare gene variants that affect dilated cardiomyopathy to improve how we diagnose and manage the condition.
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Understanding how muscle ribosome mutations cause severe neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy and ways to treat it
This grant focuses on a rare genetic heart condition in newborns caused by mutations in a muscle-specific ribosomal protein, with hopes to find new ways to diagnose and treat it.
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Unlocking how rare genetic changes cause dilated cardiomyopathy
A large study will look at genetic data from many people to understand which rare variants affect dilated cardiomyopathy and how this changes risk and treatment.
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Role of Lmod2 in heart muscle and dilated cardiomyopathy
This NIH grant explores how a heart-specific protein (Lmod2) helps heart cells contract properly and how its problems can cause dilated cardiomyopathy in infants and children.
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Targeting DNA Damage Pathways in LMNA-Related Heart Disease
A study to understand how damaged DNA and inflammatory signals contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy caused by LMNA mutations and explore therapies that can protect the heart.
-
Using miRNA to find new treatment paths for dilated cardiomyopathy
Researchers are studying heart-muscle disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) to discover miRNA-based clues that could lead to targeted therapies for patients.
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.