Investigating how a protein called Enkurin affects heart development and calcium signaling.
Official title: The Role of the Adaptor Protein Enkurin in Left-Right Patterning- a Promising Link Between Polycystin-2 and Calcium Signaling
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11066793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Enkurin helps shape the body's left and right sides, which is important for heart development, and it aims to find out how problems in this process might lead to heart defects, using zebrafish to learn more about the underlying genetic factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31GM155995-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or those with a family history of such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital heart defects that are not linked to genetic factors or those who do not have a family history of heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the adaptor protein Enkurin in the left-right patterning of the body, which is crucial for proper heart development. It aims to uncover the genetic and cellular mechanisms that lead to congenital heart defects by studying how Enkurin interacts with calcium signaling pathways. The research utilizes model organisms like zebrafish to observe how fluid flow in ciliated structures influences calcium gradients and gene expression. By identifying these pathways, the study hopes to provide insights into genetic risk factors for congenital heart defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification of genetic risk factors for congenital heart defects, potentially improving early diagnosis and treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding calcium signaling pathways in other contexts, but this specific investigation into Enkurin's role in left-right patterning is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reneker, Billie — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Reneker, Billie
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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.