Understanding how cell signals control heart development in Down syndrome
Official title: Mechanisms for cell signaling in the control of cardiomyogenesis
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11638027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying why many babies with Down syndrome have heart defects and how interrupting specific signals in heart cells might prevent or lessen these problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2016 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $365,327 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL133230-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11638027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with Down syndrome or congenital heart defects could be relevant for future related studies or therapies inspired by this work.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project does not involve direct patient participation today and may not immediately benefit individuals.
What this research studies
This project uses stem cell models from people with Down syndrome and a mouse model to explore why increased interferon signaling disrupts heart development. Researchers will look at how this signaling affects the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is important for forming heart tissue. The goal is to identify molecular steps that could be targeted to improve heart outcomes for children with Down syndrome in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could point to new ways to prevent or lessen congenital heart defects in Down syndrome, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work showed that normalizing IFN signaling could improve heart cell development in DS models, suggesting potential for therapeutic strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Kunhua — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Song, Kunhua
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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.