Investigating how specific cells in the heart develop and regenerate.
Official title: Role of the cardiac neural crest in development and regeneration
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-11001580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells that help the heart grow and heal, to see if we can change them to better fix heart problems and improve heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169287-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or those interested in heart regeneration therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who are not affected by heart defects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the cardiac neural crest, a unique group of cells that play a crucial role in heart development and regeneration. By examining how these cells can be reprogrammed and their gene regulatory circuits, the study aims to understand their potential in forming heart structures and repairing heart tissue. The research will involve advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression changes in these cells during different stages of development and in response to injury. This could lead to new insights into treating heart defects and improving heart regeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for heart defects and improved regenerative strategies for heart repair.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neural crest cells for regenerative medicine, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bronner, Marianne — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Bronner, Marianne
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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.