Understanding how mechanical strain affects heart function and arrhythmias
Official title: Elucidating the Role of Biomechanical Strain in Atrial Physiology and Arrhythmias
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10996087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different levels of physical stress on heart tissue can affect heart function and lead to irregular heartbeats, like atrial fibrillation, using lab-grown heart cells to better understand these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2023 |
| Project end | September 15, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $33,859 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HL170584-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of atrial fibrillation or those at high risk for developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have atrial fibrillation or related heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of biomechanical strain on atrial function and the development of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. By utilizing engineered heart tissue derived from human stem cells, the study aims to simulate both healthy and diseased conditions of the heart. The researchers will apply different levels of mechanical strain to these tissues to observe changes in gene expression, contractility, and electrical activity. This approach seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to arrhythmias and improve disease modeling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that modify the progression of atrial fibrillation and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using engineered heart tissues to study cardiac conditions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gokhan, Ilhan — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Gokhan, Ilhan
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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.