How genes shape the developing heart
Transcriptional regulation of cardiac morphogenesis
This project looks at how specific genes and DNA organization influence heart formation to help people born with congenital heart defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299556 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will map how key heart genes are turned on and off during early development by examining the 3D folding of DNA and regions of open chromatin. They will focus on the HAND1 gene and the role of chromatin organizer CTCF using molecular tools like 3C-based methods and ATAC-seq. Work combines laboratory models of developing heart cells and genetic data tied to human congenital heart defects. The goal is to connect gene control mechanisms to the kinds of ventricular malformations that cause serious congenital heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People born with congenital heart defects—especially those with left-ventricle malformations, single-ventricle phenotypes, or known HAND1 genetic changes—would be most directly relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart problems are due to acquired conditions in adulthood (like typical ischemic heart disease) are unlikely to benefit directly from these developmental genetics studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets or markers that lead to better diagnosis or future therapies for certain congenital heart defects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and molecular studies have shown HAND1 and chromatin structure affect heart development, and this program builds on those findings using newer 3C and ATAC approaches.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Firulli, Anthony B. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Firulli, Anthony B.
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.