Understanding how electrical signals in embryos affect heart development
Official title: The electrophysiological properties of embryos
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11000060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny electrical signals in embryos might affect the heart's development and could help us understand why some babies are born with congenital heart disease, which could lead to new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $817,424 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL175982-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have been diagnosed with congenital heart disease or related cardiac malformations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital heart disease caused by non-genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ion channels in the development of congenital heart disease (CHD) in embryos. By examining the electrophysiological properties of different germ layers, the study aims to uncover how these electrical signals influence cell fate and heart structure. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to analyze how calcium channels and other signaling pathways interact during early embryonic development. This work could lead to a better understanding of the genetic causes of CHD and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for congenital heart disease in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding ion channel signaling can lead to significant advancements in the treatment of cardiac conditions, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khokha, Mustafa K — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Khokha, Mustafa K
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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.