How the SHROOM3 gene may cause congenital heart defects

The role of SHROOM3 in congenital heart disease

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11299565

This work looks at how changes in the SHROOM3 gene can lead to congenital heart problems in babies.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11299565 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

I would learn how SHROOM3 affects heart development by following what happens when the gene is missing or altered. The team uses genetic mouse models that lack SHROOM3 to watch heart formation and to identify specific defects like septal and outflow tract problems. They study how SHROOM3 interacts with other proteins (for example DVL2, ROCK, and actin) to map the molecular steps that go wrong. The researchers also relate those findings to genetic data from people who carry SHROOM3 variants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with congenital heart defects, especially those or their family members with a known SHROOM3 genetic change, are the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients whose heart conditions are caused by non-genetic factors or different genes, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments, are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve genetic diagnosis and point to new targets for treating or preventing some congenital heart defects.

How similar studies have performed: Earlier genetic studies and mouse models have linked SHROOM3 to heart development problems, but the exact molecular role is still being defined.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.