XinB protein's role in adult heart cell growth and repair
Function and Mechanism of the Intercalated Disc Protein XinB in Cardiomyocyte Proliferation and Cardiac Regeneration
Learning whether the heart protein XinB helps adult hearts heal by encouraging heart muscle cells to multiply, which could benefit people with heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318907 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying XinB, a protein located at the junctions between heart muscle cells, to understand how it influences signals that control cell behavior. They will use lab-grown human heart cells and animal models to track XinB's interactions with junction proteins and internal signaling pathways. The team will change XinB levels and observe effects on cardiomyocyte proliferation and tissue repair after injury. Results may reveal molecular targets that could be developed into therapies to boost heart regeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with heart injury or heart failure would be the eventual candidates for therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: People without heart disease or those whose heart damage is extensive and replaced by scar tissue may not benefit from approaches that rely on stimulating cell proliferation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that help damaged adult hearts regenerate and recover function after injury.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and cell studies have shown that altering certain proteins can increase heart cell division, but translating these findings into safe, effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Da-Zhi — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Wang, Da-Zhi
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 below.