Understanding heart muscle cell growth in children and how to reverse its decline

Quantification of the decline of heart muscle cell proliferation and its reversal in pediatric patients

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11031140

This study is looking at how heart cells grow and heal in kids, especially those with heart conditions, to find ways to help their hearts get better as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11031140 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how heart muscle cells, known as cardiomyocytes, grow and regenerate in pediatric patients. It aims to understand the timing of when these cells stop proliferating after birth and how conditions like congenital heart disease may affect this process. By studying the mechanisms behind cardiomyocyte proliferation, the research seeks to develop strategies that could stimulate heart regeneration in children, potentially improving their heart health. The approach involves analyzing the growth patterns of these cells over the first two decades of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pediatric patients, particularly those with congenital heart disease or other heart-related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are adults or those with heart conditions unrelated to cardiomyocyte proliferation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance heart regeneration in children, improving outcomes for those with heart conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there have been other studies exploring heart regeneration in pediatric populations, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.