How atria and ventricles control different genes
Transcriptional regulation of chamber selective gene expression
This project looks at how the upper and lower chambers of the heart use different gene switches and how that can lead to problems like atrial fibrillation or cardiomyopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11244140 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are testing thousands of gene control elements (enhancers and promoters) inside living animals to see which combinations make a gene active in atria versus ventricles. They will use large-scale reporter experiments and genetic approaches to read the DNA sequences that determine chamber-specific activity. The team will also study proteins already linked to chamber identity (TBX5, CHD4, ESRRA/G) to learn how these factors control those switches. Learning these rules could explain molecular causes of arrhythmias and weakened heart muscle and point toward future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with atrial fibrillation or genetic forms of cardiomyopathy are the patient groups most likely to benefit and could be candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart problems are due to valve disease, infections, or non-genetic causes may not directly benefit from this gene-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or treat atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy by correcting chamber-specific gene control.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have identified key regulators of chamber identity, but applying large-scale enhancer-promoter tests inside whole hearts is a new and more comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pu, William Tswenching — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Pu, William Tswenching
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.