Understanding Heart Development and Birth Defects
Cardiogenesis: Molecular Mechanisms
This project aims to discover how genetic changes lead to heart birth defects, especially in children with Down Syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110365 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores how heart birth defects, the most common human birth defects, develop during early life. We are using advanced techniques to look at thousands of individual heart cells to see how genetic changes affect them. Our focus is on understanding why children with Down Syndrome often have heart defects, specifically those affecting the heart's walls and valves. By identifying the specific genes responsible, we hope to uncover new ways to prevent or treat these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is most relevant to families affected by congenital heart disease, particularly those with a genetic component like Down Syndrome, who may be interested in future clinical applications.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of congenital heart disease, potentially paving the way for new ways to prevent or treat heart defects in children, especially those with Down Syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of single-cell analysis for this specific question is cutting-edge, previous research has successfully used genetic and cellular models to understand developmental heart conditions.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- J. David Gladstone Institutes — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Srivastava, Deepak — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Srivastava, Deepak
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.