Investigating how genes and environment interact to cause heart defects in embryos
Official title: Gene x Environment Interactions and Congenital Heart Defects – Illuminating the Mechanisms
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11083093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and a mother's diet, especially vitamin A, can affect the development of congenital heart defects in babies, using a mouse model to help find ways to prevent these issues in future pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $553,451 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113214-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are expectant mothers with a family history of congenital heart defects or those who are concerned about environmental factors affecting fetal development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with congenital heart defects or those whose conditions are unrelated to genetic or environmental interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors that lead to congenital heart defects (CHDs). Using a new mouse model, the study examines how variations in genes and maternal diet, specifically vitamin A levels, affect the development of the heart during embryonic growth. By altering these factors, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to CHDs, which could lead to preventive strategies for at-risk pregnancies. The findings could provide insights into how specific genetic mutations interact with environmental influences to impact heart development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive measures for congenital heart defects, potentially reducing their occurrence in newborns.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding gene-environment interactions in other birth defects, making this approach promising yet still novel in the context of congenital heart defects.
Where this research is happening
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Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zohn, Irene E — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Zohn, Irene E
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.