How the heart's upper chambers (atria) develop and stay specialized
Mechanisms governing the differentiation and maintenance of atrial identity
['FUNDING_R01'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-11319884
This project will learn how certain genes shape and preserve the heart's atria to help people born with atrial septal defects and related heart rhythm problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11319884 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a family of genes called Nr2f that guide how atrial heart cells form and maintain their specialized identity. They use laboratory experiments and animal models to see how changes in these genes lead to atrial septal defects and associated arrhythmias. The team compares those findings with human genetic and clinical information to connect gene changes to real patient conditions. Learning these mechanisms may point to better ways to diagnose risk and suggest targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People born with atrial septal defects, individuals with unexplained atrial arrhythmias, or those found to carry NR2F gene variants would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart problems are unrelated to atrial structure or NR2F-linked genetics may not gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal why some people are born with atrial septal defects and arrhythmias, enabling improved diagnosis and potential new treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and human genetic studies have linked NR2F genes to atrial development, but applying that knowledge to human diagnosis or therapy remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES
- CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR — CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WAXMAN, JOSHUA — CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR
- Study coordinator: WAXMAN, JOSHUA
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.