Understanding how cell signaling affects heart development

A multidisciplinary approach to understanding feedback and clustering in PCP signaling

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11064022

This study looks at how a specific signaling process affects the development of the heart and other organs, using fruit flies to understand the details, and the goal is to find ways to better prevent and treat heart defects that some people are born with.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11064022 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling influences the development of the heart and other organs. By using the Drosophila model, which is well-suited for genetic studies and high-resolution imaging, the team aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind PCP signaling. The findings could help explain various congenital heart defects and other developmental anomalies that arise from disruptions in this signaling pathway. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for heart defects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or those at risk of developing such conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with heart conditions unrelated to congenital defects may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for congenital heart defects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using similar model systems has successfully elucidated mechanisms of cell signaling, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.