Investigating how specific cells in heart valves develop and relate to congenital heart disease

Endothelial subpopulations in heart valve development and congenital heart disease

NIH-funded research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10745280

This study is looking at how certain cells in the heart help form healthy heart valves and how problems with these cells might lead to heart issues, especially in babies, so we can find better ways to treat valve disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project IDNIH-10745280 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the role of endothelial cell subpopulations in the development of heart valves and their connection to congenital heart diseases. By utilizing advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to understand how mechanical forces from blood flow influence the structure and function of heart valves at a molecular level. The researchers will focus on a specific cell type that expresses a key transcription factor, Prox1, to determine its importance in maintaining healthy valve structure and preventing degeneration. This work could lead to new insights into heart valve disorders and potential therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with congenital heart disease or myxomatous valve disease.

Not a fit: Patients with heart valve issues unrelated to endothelial cell function or those without congenital heart conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for congenital heart diseases and conditions affecting heart valves.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on endothelial subpopulations in heart valves is novel, similar approaches in other areas of cardiovascular research have shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

Cincinnati, 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.
Conditions DisorderDisease
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.