How the ZIC3 gene shapes early heart development and congenital heart defects
The role of ZIC3 within cardiomyocyte precursors in cardiac morphogenesis
This work looks at how changes in the ZIC3 gene affect heart development before birth, which may help children 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-11299551 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how the ZIC3 gene controls decisions made by early heart precursor cells during embryonic development. Researchers use mouse models lacking Zic3 and high-resolution methods that read individual cells' gene activity (single-cell RNA sequencing) and chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq) to map gene regulatory networks. The team focuses on heterotaxy and the diverse congenital heart defects that can result from abnormal heart looping and cell fate choices. By tracing when and how precursor cells go off course, they aim to connect specific genetic changes to particular heart malformations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The most relevant participants would be infants or families affected by heterotaxy or other congenital heart defects who can provide genetic or clinical information.
Not a fit: People with adult-onset heart diseases unrelated to developmental gene defects are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of some congenital heart defects and help guide future ways to predict, prevent, or treat them.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and genetic studies have linked ZIC3 to heterotaxy and abnormal heart looping, but translating these findings to human patients is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ware, Stephanie M — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Ware, Stephanie M
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.