Understanding how heart cells adapt to changes in their environment

Uncovering The Mechanogenomic Basis For Cardiac Plasticity

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-11128760

This study is looking at how certain heart cells and their helpers, called fibroblasts, work together in people with dilated cardiomyopathy, a common cause of heart failure, to find new ways to improve heart health and treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11128760 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of cardiac fibroblasts in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a leading cause of heart failure. It focuses on how inherited mutations in heart muscle cells affect their function and how the surrounding fibroblasts contribute to heart tissue changes. By studying these interactions, the research aims to identify new therapeutic approaches that target both heart muscle cells and fibroblasts to improve heart health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for heart failure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly those with inherited genetic mutations affecting heart muscle function.

Not a fit: Patients without dilated cardiomyopathy or those with other unrelated heart conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve heart function and outcomes for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cardiac fibroblasts for improving heart function, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.