Understanding how to create specific heart cells from stem cells

Patterning myocardial specification of human pluripotent stem cells

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10638342

This study is exploring how to turn special stem cells into specific heart cells to help us better understand heart diseases and create new treatments, making it easier to test new drugs and therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10638342 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to direct human pluripotent stem cells to develop into specific types of heart cells, which are crucial for understanding heart diseases and developing new treatments. By manipulating a signaling molecule called retinoic acid, the researchers aim to produce more uniform populations of heart cells that can be used for drug testing and potential therapies. The study focuses on overcoming current challenges in generating these cells, which often result in a mixed population that is not suitable for clinical applications. If successful, this approach could lead to better models for studying heart conditions and more effective treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with heart conditions or those at risk of developing heart diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not have any heart-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide more effective heart cell therapies and improve drug testing for heart diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cells for cardiac applications, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions DiseaseDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.