Understanding how a specific protein affects heart healing after injury
Official title: Novel Insights into the Mechanistic Role of Small Rho GTPase in Chronic Cardiac Fibrotic Remodeling
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11026946 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tiny protein called RHOE to see how it helps the heart heal after a heart attack, especially how it affects the cells that repair heart tissue, with the hope of finding better ways to prevent scarring and improve treatments for heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $542,663 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL176744-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026946 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 of developing chronic cardiac fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart attack or do not have any cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a small protein called RHOE in the healing process of the heart following a heart attack. It focuses on how cardiac fibroblasts, which help repair heart tissue, can sometimes lead to excessive scarring, known as fibrosis. By analyzing data from existing studies, the researchers aim to find ways to enhance the heart's natural healing signals to prevent long-term damage. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for heart failure and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve heart healing and reduce the risk of chronic heart failure after a heart attack.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for cardiac repair, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Weijia — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Luo, Weijia
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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.