Understanding the nerve circuits that control heart rate.
Official title: Molecular and Functional Taxonomy of Cardiovagal Neurons
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11082067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special brain cells that help control your heart rate, which could lead to new ways to understand and treat heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $75,985 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL153916-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with heart diseases or conditions that affect heart rate regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any heart conditions or those whose heart rate is not influenced by autonomic nervous system dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the specific neurons in the brain that regulate heart rate through the autonomic nervous system. It focuses on a group of neurons known as cardiovagal neurons, which are part of the vagus nerve and play a crucial role in decreasing heart rate. By examining these neurons, the research aims to uncover their unique characteristics, gene expression, and how they interact with other neurons involved in various bodily functions. This could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for heart diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for heart diseases by targeting specific neural circuits that control heart rate.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neural circuits related to heart function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campbell, John N — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Campbell, John N
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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.