Understanding how heart growth and repair is controlled by genetics
Genetic circuitry governing heart growth and repair
This study is looking at how certain genes help the heart grow and heal itself, especially by comparing how well zebrafish and baby mammals can regenerate their hearts after injury, which could lead to new treatments for people with heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11017011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mechanisms that regulate heart growth and repair, particularly focusing on how certain genes influence the heart's ability to regenerate after injury. The study examines the differences in heart regeneration between adult zebrafish and newborn mammals compared to adult rodents, which lose this regenerative capacity shortly after birth. By exploring the role of specific transcription factors, such as B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6), the research aims to uncover the physiological triggers that affect cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for heart failure patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of myocardial infarction or heart failure, particularly those who are interested in novel regenerative therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with congenital heart defects or those who are not experiencing heart-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance heart regeneration, potentially reducing the incidence of heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac regeneration in model organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for human applications.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Guo — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Huang, Guo
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.