Understanding how heart cells communicate to grow and heal.
Official title: Explore the roles of intercellular communication in cardiomyocyte proliferation and renewal.
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11005201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart cells grow and heal, especially when there isn't enough oxygen, to find new ways to help the heart recover after injuries like a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,766 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166549-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with heart conditions, particularly those experiencing heart failure or recovery from heart injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable heart conditions who do not exhibit signs of heart failure or injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind heart cell (cardiomyocyte) growth and renewal, particularly focusing on how communication between heart cells and endothelial cells is influenced by oxygen levels. The study aims to uncover how low oxygen conditions can stimulate heart cell proliferation, which is crucial for recovery after heart injuries like myocardial infarction. By exploring the role of specific proteins that sense oxygen, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies to enhance heart cell regeneration and combat heart failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that promote heart cell regeneration, potentially improving outcomes for patients with heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding heart cell proliferation through similar mechanisms, indicating a potential for success in this area of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Liang — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Xie, Liang
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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.