GATA4's role in why some hearts are born with two valve cusps
Official title: The Cellular and Molecular Role ofGATA4 in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11450686 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice and human genetics will look at how a specific GATA4 gene change leads to bicuspid aortic valve and related heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $726,242 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL183091-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450686 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with bicuspid aortic valve or a family history suggestive of inherited BAV, and those who could contribute samples or participate in follow-up analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without bicuspid aortic valve or related heart conditions may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project uses a human family with bicuspid aortic valve to find the genetic cause and creates a mouse model with the same gene change. Researchers will closely examine how often affected mice are born, how many die early, and whether boys and girls are affected differently, using ultrasound and MRI to check heart structure and function. They will also map cell-level signaling and gene regulation in valve tissue to understand how the mutation disrupts normal valve formation. The goal is to uncover the exact mechanisms by which GATA4 changes drive abnormal valve development and to pinpoint targets for future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding GATA4’s role could lead to earlier diagnosis and new strategies to prevent or treat bicuspid aortic valve complications.
How similar studies have gone: The study builds on a mouse model with a human gene variant that reproduces BAV, demonstrating a biologically plausible path to insight.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Churko, Jared — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Churko, Jared
Related research
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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.