Using RNA technology to improve heart cell regeneration after heart attacks
Official title: Engineering RNA biodevices for precise modulation of fibroblasts to boost cardiac reprogramming
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11036913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help heal the heart after a heart attack by using special tools to turn certain cells into healthy heart cells, making it easier and safer to treat heart damage without surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $243,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL177541-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk of heart failure due to excessive fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart attack or do not have significant fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative RNA biodevices that can precisely modulate fibroblasts, which are cells that can contribute to heart damage after a heart attack. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, the goal is to convert these fibroblasts into functional heart cells, promoting heart regeneration. The approach aims to deliver genes directly to the fibroblasts in the heart, avoiding the need for invasive procedures. The research also addresses challenges in ensuring that the treatment specifically targets fibroblasts without affecting other heart cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that regenerate heart tissue and improve recovery after heart attacks.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using RNA technology for cardiac reprogramming is promising, it is still largely novel and untested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Jialiang — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Liang, Jialiang
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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.