Understanding how certain proteins affect heart and muscle development
Official title: The role Akirin and Pannier interactions during myogenesis
Funded at Kennesaw State University · NIH-11059145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, Akirin and Pannier, work together to help develop the heart and muscles in embryos, with the hope of finding out more about the genetic causes of heart defects and muscle diseases, which could lead to better treatments for those conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $135,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM145448-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants under 4 weeks old who are diagnosed with congenital heart defects or muscular dystrophies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital conditions unrelated to myogenic defects may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between two proteins, Akirin and Pannier, which are believed to play a crucial role in the development of the heart and skeletal muscles during early embryonic stages. By studying these interactions, the research aims to uncover the genetic factors that contribute to congenital heart malformations and muscular dystrophies. The approach includes analyzing how these proteins influence gene expression and developmental processes, which could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating congenital heart defects and muscular dystrophies in newborns.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interactions being studied are novel, previous research has shown success in understanding genetic factors related to congenital defects, suggesting potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowak, Scott James — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Nowak, Scott James
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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.