Stem-cell and gene-editing core for congenital heart defect models
Embryonic stem cell/induced Pluripotent stem cell growth and gene editing core
Making lab-grown human stem-cell and genetically edited animal models to help scientists better understand and develop treatments for congenital heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This core creates and maintains human and mouse embryonic stem cell lines and uses CRISPR gene editing to model congenital heart defects in the lab. Staff grow stem cells, guide them to become heart cells, and produce genetically modified mice that mirror human heart development problems. The core also keeps breeding colonies and supplies standardized cells and animals to the research projects in the program. By centralizing these resources, the team aims to save time and ensure consistent, high-quality materials for multiple CHD research studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People born with congenital heart defects who might donate tissue samples or be interested in future clinical trials are the most relevant patient group.
Not a fit: People without congenital heart disease or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic research effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these models could speed up discovery of the causes of congenital heart defects and help researchers test new therapies more reliably.
How similar studies have performed: Techniques like stem-cell differentiation and CRISPR-based gene editing are well established and have helped researchers model heart disease, though turning those findings into patient treatments is still ongoing.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Lei — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Yang, Lei
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.