Understanding how the heart's environment affects heart cell behavior
Official title: Elucidating the Role of Microenvironment Mechanics in Regulating Cardiac Myofibroblast Plasticity
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10871811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the surroundings of heart cells affect the way certain repair cells behave, which could help us find new treatments for heart diseases and improve healing in heart tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $130,367 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HL166695-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiac conditions that involve fibrosis, particularly children under 11 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those without any fibrotic heart disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the mechanical properties of the heart's environment influence the behavior of cardiac myofibroblasts, which are cells involved in heart tissue repair. By using human stem cells and specially designed materials, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that dictate how these cells change and persist in the heart. The approach includes real-time observation of cell behavior in response to changes in their environment, which could lead to new therapies for heart diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained about heart tissue repair and fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for heart conditions related to fibrosis, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell behavior in response to mechanical changes, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Sangkyun — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Sangkyun
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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.