Understanding how a protein called SLIT3 affects heart scarring
Regulation of Cardiac Collagen Content by SLIT3
This research explores how a specific protein called SLIT3 contributes to heart scarring, aiming to find new ways to treat heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093949 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Heart scarring, known as cardiac fibrosis, is a serious problem that makes heart failure worse and currently has no specific treatment beyond heart transplantation. Our team has recently found new clues about how collagen, a key component of scar tissue, is controlled in the heart. We discovered that a protein called SLIT3 plays a role in this process, and reducing its activity in models led to less scarring and better heart function. This work aims to understand the detailed cellular and molecular steps involved, which could open doors to new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who suffer from various cardiac diseases and disorders, particularly those experiencing cardiac fibrosis or heart failure.
Not a fit: Patients without cardiac fibrosis or heart failure, or those with other non-cardiac conditions, would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new medications that specifically target heart scarring, offering a much-needed alternative to heart transplantation for patients with advanced heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds upon recent discoveries by the research team, suggesting a novel approach to understanding and potentially treating cardiac fibrosis.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Si, Ming-Sing — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Si, Ming-Sing
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.