Using cell cycle factors to help heart cells grow and repair after damage

Induction of Cardiomyocyte Proliferation via Transient Expression of Cell Cycle Factors as a Promising Therapy for Heart Failure

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10771242

This study is exploring a new way to help people with heart failure by using special tools to encourage heart muscle cells to grow and repair themselves, aiming to improve heart function safely without increasing the risk of tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10771242 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treat heart failure by inducing the proliferation of heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) using a combination of four specific cell cycle regulators. The study utilizes adenoviral vectors to temporarily express these factors, which have shown promise in laboratory models for promoting cell division and improving heart function after damage. The goal is to enhance the regenerative capacity of cardiomyocytes while minimizing the risk of tumor formation. By focusing on transient expression, the researchers aim to make this therapy safer and more applicable for human patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced heart damage, such as from a heart attack.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve heart function and recovery for patients with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using cell cycle regulators for cell proliferation in laboratory settings, but this specific approach in humans is still being explored.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.