Understanding how heart pacemaker cells develop and function
Official title: Exploring Mechanisms of Cardiac Pacemaker Cell Fate Determination
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11074559 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart pacemaker cells, which help control your heartbeat, develop and work properly, especially when things go wrong, to find new ways to help people with heart rhythm problems like bradycardia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $410,149 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL151650-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074559 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with bradycardia or other heart rhythm disorders who may benefit from advancements in cardiac pacemaker cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without any heart rhythm issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that determine the fate of cardiac pacemaker cells, which are essential for initiating heartbeats. The study focuses on understanding how these cells develop and maintain their function, particularly in the context of dysfunction that can lead to serious heart conditions like bradycardia. By exploring molecular strategies and interactions, such as those involving the Hand2 protein, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic approaches for heart rhythm disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments or interventions for heart conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve heart function and reduce the need for pacemaker devices in patients with heart rhythm disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cardiac cell development, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights into heart health.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munshi, Nikhil Vilas — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Munshi, Nikhil Vilas
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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.