NEDD4's role in developing the heart's right ventricle
NEDD4 in right ventricular development
Researchers are looking at how the protein NEDD4 helps the right side of the heart form to better understand causes of congenital heart defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177708 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mice engineered to lack NEDD4 in heart muscle cells to see how the right ventricle grows and changes after chamber formation. The team compares protein patterns between affected and normal ventricles and uses electron microscopy to examine cell membranes and the endoplasmic reticulum. Findings focus on why loss of NEDD4 causes dilation of the right ventricle while the left ventricle appears normal. The work aims to reveal molecular steps that could underlie some forms of congenital heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People or families affected by right-sided congenital heart malformations may find the results relevant, although the current project is conducted in animal models.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for adult-onset heart disease or conditions unrelated to right-ventricle development are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could uncover molecular causes of right-sided congenital heart defects and point to new targets for diagnosis or future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and molecular studies have identified pathways important to heart development, but defining NEDD4's specific role in the right ventricle is a novel focus.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fang, Xi — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Fang, Xi
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 below.