Understanding heart defects in hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Official title: Deciphering the intrinsic myocardial and/or endocardial defects of hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11045689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) to find out how certain genes might cause this heart condition, using both patient samples and zebrafish to learn more about how these genes affect heart development, with the hope of discovering better treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $127,278 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HL169927-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants and children diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or those with a family history of congenital heart defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart conditions unrelated to hypoplastic left heart syndrome may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a serious congenital heart condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. The study aims to identify genetic factors contributing to this condition by analyzing genetic variants in patients and using zebrafish models to understand how these defects affect heart development. By exploring the role of specific genes, such as RBFOX2, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind these structural heart defects and their impact on heart function. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments or interventions for HLHS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in using genetic analysis and animal models to understand congenital heart defects, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Mengmeng — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Huang, Mengmeng
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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.