Investigating how a specific RNA influences heart and blood cell development.
Official title: Long non-coding RNA MCRL1 regulates human cardiac and hematopoietic differentiation via interacting with β-Catenin
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11131705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special molecule called MCRL1 helps shape heart and blood cells from human stem cells, which could lead to new insights about how our bodies develop these important tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $596,401 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL175339-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to heart and blood cell development or those interested in advancements in regenerative medicine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established heart or blood conditions that are not related to developmental processes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a long non-coding RNA called MCRL1 in the development of heart and blood cells from human embryonic stem cells. By examining how MCRL1 interacts with the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway during the critical stage of mesoderm specification, the researchers aim to uncover unique human mechanisms that guide the formation of these essential tissues. The study employs advanced techniques such as ATAC sequencing to analyze chromatin accessibility and gene regulation during differentiation processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into heart and blood cell development, potentially informing future therapies for cardiovascular diseases and blood disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the roles of long non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular development, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Lei — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Yang, Lei
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.