Understanding how the heart's pacemaker cells develop and function
Official title: Transcriptional Regulation of Sinoatrial Node Development
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11054597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the heart's natural pacemaker works and what makes its special cells develop properly, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who have heart rhythm problems and might need a pacemaker.
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 start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $611,171 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169800-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with sinoatrial node dysfunction or those at risk of developing heart rhythm issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart rhythm disorders unrelated to sinoatrial node dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the sinoatrial node (SAN), the heart's natural pacemaker, focusing on how specialized cells called pacemaker cardiomyocytes develop and function. The study aims to uncover the genetic and biological pathways that control the formation and maintenance of these cells, which are crucial for a healthy heartbeat. By using advanced genetic tools and experimental models, the researchers hope to identify new strategies to prevent or reverse sinoatrial node dysfunction, a condition that often leads to the need for pacemaker implantation. This work could provide insights into potential therapies for patients suffering from heart rhythm disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse heart rhythm disorders, reducing the need for pacemaker surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cardiac development, but this specific approach to targeting SAN progenitor cells is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vedantham, Vasanth — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Vedantham, Vasanth
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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.