Understanding how 3D genome structure affects heart cell identity
Official title: Deciphering how 3D genome organization orchestrates cardiac cellular identity
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11084413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way our genes are organized in the heart cells affects their development and function, which could help us understand heart diseases like congenital heart defects and heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $788,503 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL166663-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart abnormalities or those at risk for heart failure due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart conditions unrelated to cellular identity or those who do not have genetic predispositions to cardiac diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the three-dimensional organization of the genome influences the identity and function of heart cells during development. By examining the mechanisms that guide the differentiation of multipotent progenitor cells into specialized cardiac cells, the study aims to uncover the role of nuclear architecture in regulating gene expression. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques and molecular biology methods to analyze how changes in genome structure can lead to heart diseases, including congenital heart defects and heart failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapies for treating heart diseases linked to cellular identity and differentiation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of genome organization in other diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for cardiac conditions as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Rajan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jain, Rajan
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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.