SMYD4 and early heart development
The role of Smyd4 in regulating cardioprogenitor specification.
['FUNDING_P01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11299560
This project looks at how changes in the SMYD4 gene affect the earliest steps of heart cell formation, which may help explain some congenital heart defects in babies and children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11299560 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team studies SMYD4 using animal models (zebrafish) and human embryonic stem cells that are guided to become heart cells. They remove or change SMYD4 in cells and embryos and measure how that alters the programs of genes and which regions of DNA are open for activity. The researchers use genome-wide tools like transcriptomics and ATAC-seq to map those changes and connect them to defects in cardiac progenitor specification. They also compare these laboratory findings to human genetic data that linked SMYD4 variants to congenital heart defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Persons or families affected by congenital heart defects, especially cases with suspected genetic causes or identified SMYD4 variants, would be the most relevant group for related patient-facing parts of this work.
Not a fit: People whose heart problems are caused by non-genetic factors or by genes unrelated to SMYD4 are less likely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify genetic causes of some congenital heart defects and point toward better genetic testing or targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies show SMYD family proteins influence heart development in animals and cells, but linking SMYD4 variants to human congenital heart disease and defining the exact mechanisms is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHOU, WEINIAN — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: SHOU, WEINIAN
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.