Understanding how genes and environment affect heart growth in newborns
Novel Gene-Environment Regulatory Circuit in Chamber-Specific Growth of Perinatal Heart
This study is looking at how genes and the environment work together to help the heart chambers grow properly from before birth to after birth, especially for babies with heart defects, to find ways to support their heart health better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10688280 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the interplay between genetic factors and environmental conditions that influence the growth of heart chambers during the critical transition from fetal to neonatal life. By studying specific gene expressions and their responses to stress, particularly in the context of congenital heart defects, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could improve heart development. The approach involves using advanced mouse models to manipulate gene expression and observe the resulting effects on heart maturation. This could lead to new insights into how to better support heart health in newborns with congenital conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with congenital heart defects or related conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without congenital heart defects or those who are not in the perinatal period may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and interventions for newborns with congenital heart defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene-environment interactions in heart development, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Touma, Marlin — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Touma, Marlin
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 below.