Using light to help heart cells grow and mature
Official title: Optically Promoting Cardiac Maturation Using Engineered Peptides
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10833048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help heart cells grown from human stem cells develop better, which could lead to more personalized treatments for heart diseases, using special light-responsive materials to stimulate the cells safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $485,905 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164348-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10833048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiac diseases who may benefit from advanced treatment options derived from improved heart cell models.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not have access to stem cell therapies may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the maturation of heart cells derived from human stem cells, which is crucial for developing personalized treatments for cardiac diseases. The approach involves using engineered peptide-based substrates that respond to light, allowing for precise stimulation of the heart cells without direct contact, reducing the risk of infection. By enhancing the structure and function of these cells, the research aims to create more accurate models for drug discovery and treatment testing. This innovative method seeks to overcome current limitations in cell maturation protocols that rely on electrical stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective personalized therapies for patients with cardiac diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using light-based stimulation for cell maturation, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ardoña, Herdeline Ann Mallari — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Ardoña, Herdeline Ann Mallari
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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.