Understanding Fli1 in Immune Cells and Heart Scarring
The role of Fli1 in myeloid cells and its contribution to cardiac fibrosis
This research explores how a protein called Fli1 in certain immune cells might lead to heart scarring, especially in people with conditions like systemic sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118825 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Heart disease is a major health concern, and scarring of the heart, known as fibrosis, is a common problem. We know that immune cells, specifically monocytes and macrophages, play a key part in this scarring process. Our team found that patients with systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease causing widespread scarring, have lower levels of a protein called Fli1 in their immune cells. This project aims to understand how reduced Fli1 in these immune cells contributes to heart scarring and whether a medication called Rapamycin could help block these effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with systemic sclerosis who experience heart fibrosis, or those at risk for it, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart fibrosis is not related to the specific immune cell pathways involving Fli1 may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for heart fibrosis, particularly for patients with autoimmune conditions like systemic sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary experiments and published data suggest a link between Fli1 and fibrosis, providing a foundation for this specific hypothesis.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bujor, Andreea Monica — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Bujor, Andreea Monica
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.