Understanding how heart pacemaker cells maintain their structure and function
Official title: Regulation of cardiac pacemaker cell cytoarchitecture
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11002672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart cells, called cardiac pacemaker cells, work and what helps them stay healthy so they can keep your heart beating properly, which is especially important for people who might need a pacemaker.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $541,509 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL146626-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002672 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who have heart conditions that may involve pacemaker cell dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not have any issues related to heart rhythm or pacemaker cells may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular mechanisms that allow cardiac pacemaker cells (CPCs) to generate the electrical impulses necessary for heart contractions. It aims to uncover the molecular pathways that create a supportive environment around these cells, which is crucial for their proper functioning. By studying how these cells interact with their surroundings, the research seeks to identify factors that could prevent dysfunction, which is a common cause of artificial pacemaker implantation. The approach includes examining the biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix that surrounds CPCs and how these properties affect their health and performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with heart conditions related to pacemaker cell dysfunction, potentially reducing the need for artificial pacemakers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular mechanisms related to heart function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bressan, Michael C — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Bressan, Michael C
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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.