Using mRNA to create biological pacemakers for heart rhythm control
Official title: mRNA biological pacemaker
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11027440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with bradyarrhythmia by using mRNA to turn heart cells into natural pacemaker cells, so they can create their own electrical signals instead of needing a traditional pacemaker, which can sometimes cause problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 23, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $732,221 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL176951-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027440 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who suffer from symptomatic bradyarrhythmia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bradyarrhythmia or those who are not suitable for mRNA-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating bradyarrhythmia by using mRNA to reprogram heart cells into pacemaker cells. Instead of relying on traditional implantable pacemakers, which can have complications, this study aims to deliver mRNA that can induce heart cells to generate their own electrical impulses. The research will involve both laboratory experiments and preclinical studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of this method. If successful, it could lead to a new treatment option that avoids the risks associated with hardware implants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment for patients with bradyarrhythmia by eliminating the need for traditional pacemaker devices.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of biological pacemakers is innovative, similar approaches using mRNA for cardiac applications have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Hee Cheol — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Hee Cheol
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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.