Understanding how heart cells produce collagen after heart injury
Official title: Role of the PEP cycle in cardiac fibrosis
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10989895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how heart cells called fibroblasts change after a heart attack to help heal by making collagen, and it aims to find ways to improve heart recovery by understanding the changes these cells go through.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $523,760 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168198-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989895 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 recovering from heart injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart attack or those with advanced heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fibroblasts, a type of cell in the heart, change their behavior after a heart attack to produce large amounts of collagen, which is crucial for healing. The study focuses on the metabolic changes that occur in these cells to support their increased collagen production. By examining the biochemical pathways involved, researchers aim to identify potential targets for therapies that could improve heart healing and function after injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance heart recovery and reduce complications after heart attacks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding metabolic changes in heart cells can lead to significant advancements in cardiac care, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hill, Bradford Guy — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Hill, Bradford Guy
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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.