How genetic elements affect heart disease risk in humans and chimpanzees
Official title: The regulatory impact of transposable elements (TEs) on differential gene expression in closely related species during cellular differentiation
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-10996765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain genetic elements affect the way stem cells turn into heart cells, comparing human and chimpanzee cells to understand why some people might be more prone to heart disease, which could help us learn more about keeping hearts healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,995 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL172519-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996765 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of heart disease or those interested in understanding their genetic risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no genetic predisposition to heart disease or those not interested in genetic research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of transposable elements (TEs) in regulating gene expression during the differentiation of stem cells into heart cells. By comparing human and chimpanzee stem cells, the study aims to uncover how these genetic elements contribute to differences in heart disease susceptibility. The approach involves differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into cardiomyocytes and analyzing gene expression patterns. This could provide insights into the genetic factors that influence heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better predictions of heart disease risk based on genetic factors, potentially improving prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of TEs in gene regulation is an emerging field, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding gene expression differences between species.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hurley, John Dennis — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Hurley, John Dennis
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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.