Targeting specific cells to repair heart damage after a heart attack
Official title: Fibroblast targeting for myocardial repair
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11031927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain type of cell in the heart can help heal after a heart attack, and it aims to find new ways to improve heart health for people who have experienced one.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,629 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167994-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk for heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart attack or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting a specific type of cell, known as fibroblasts, can help repair the heart after a myocardial infarction (heart attack). The study focuses on understanding how these cells contribute to changes in heart structure and function, which can lead to heart failure. By using a special mouse model, researchers will explore whether silencing a particular protein in these cells can prevent further damage and promote recovery of heart tissue. The ultimate goal is to develop new treatments that improve heart health after a heart attack.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that enhance recovery and prevent heart failure in patients who have suffered a heart attack.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting fibroblasts for cardiac repair, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spinale, Francis G — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Spinale, Francis G
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.