Investigating how the heart develops its shape during early embryonic stages
Official title: Understanding Cardiac C-Looping Using Microscale In Vitro Models
Funded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10850596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the heart takes on its special c-shape during early development, which is important because problems in this process can cause serious heart defects in babies, and the researchers are using cool new tools to learn more about how this happens so they can help improve treatments for those conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Troy, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $396,987 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL148104-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are expectant parents with a family history of congenital heart defects or those who have been diagnosed with conditions affecting heart development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital heart defects that are not related to left-right asymmetry may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the embryonic heart forms its characteristic c-shape, a crucial process that can lead to serious birth defects if disrupted. By using advanced techniques such as micro-fabrication and hydrogel technology, the team aims to explore the cellular mechanisms that dictate the heart's left-right asymmetry. The study involves creating microscale models to mimic heart development and using live-cell imaging to observe cellular behaviors. The goal is to uncover the underlying biological processes that could lead to improved treatments for congenital heart defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating congenital heart defects in newborns.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cardiac development through similar innovative approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Leo Q. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wan, Leo Q.
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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.