Using light to control nerve activity for treating heart rhythm problems in heart failure patients
Official title: Optogenetic silencing to achieve antiarrhythmic effect of renal denervation in chronic heart failure
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10914944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with chronic heart failure by using light to calm down certain nerves in the kidneys, which could help prevent dangerous heart rhythms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $569,442 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169476-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic heart failure who experience ventricular arrhythmias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic heart failure or those who do not experience arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how optogenetic techniques can be used to silence specific nerve activity in the kidneys to reduce dangerous heart rhythms in patients with chronic heart failure. The study focuses on understanding the role of inflammation and nerve activation in the heart's electrical system, particularly how renal denervation can be optimized to prevent complications. By targeting specific neurons involved in heart rhythm regulation, the researchers aim to develop a safer and more effective treatment for ventricular arrhythmias.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that significantly reduces the risk of life-threatening heart rhythms in chronic heart failure patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of renal denervation has been explored, this specific approach using optogenetics is novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yu-Long — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Li, Yu-Long
Related research
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Optogenetic silence to reduce harmful heart rhythms via kidney nerves in chronic heart failure
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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.