Mapping heart development in embryos
Official title: 5 D impulse mapping in the embryonic heart
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11031287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the heart develops in embryos and what goes wrong in cases of congenital heart defects, using special imaging tools to understand the signals that guide heart growth, which could help find better treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $613,429 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167159-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are expectant parents, particularly those with a history of alcohol exposure during pregnancy or a family history of congenital heart defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed hearts or those without congenital heart defects may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the cardiac conduction system develops in embryos, particularly focusing on congenital heart defects (CHDs). By utilizing advanced imaging techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to connect molecular signaling with the physiological factors that influence heart development. The researchers will explore how these factors interact to better understand the mechanisms behind heart defects. This knowledge could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for congenital heart defects in newborns.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using optical mapping techniques to study cardiac development, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rollins, Andrew Martin — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Rollins, Andrew Martin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Estrogen signaling and how the intestinal lining protects against injury
A study at Case Western Reserve University looks at how estrogen receptors in the gut lining help protect against intestinal injury and inflammatory bowel disease.
-
Diabetes: Long-term effects of intensive glucose control on complications
A long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how keeping blood sugar close to normal affects eye, kidney, nerve, heart, and quality of life outcomes over many years.
-
Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study follow-up
This long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how early intensive glucose control affects complications and quality of life over many years.
-
Role of THAP1 in brain cell support cells shaping brain development
Aims to understand how the THAP1 protein in oligodendrocyte lineage cells helps shape the brain’s environment and myelination during development, which may relate to a movement disorder called DYT6 dystonia.
-
New human monoclonal antibodies to stop malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax
A researcher team is developing human monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat malaria from Plasmodium vivax, with a plan to test promising antibodies in primates and prepare for human trials.
-
PopCASE: A user-friendly tool to link cancer data for communities and researchers
Aimed at improving population cancer research, PopCASE helps connect patient cancer data with community information to inform better care and outreach.
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.