Understanding how genetic factors affect heart development and defects

Multi-Lineage Modulation of cardiac neural crest cells during cardiac development

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11192955

This study is looking at the genes that cause congenital heart disease (CHD) in hopes of understanding why some heart treatments don’t work as well for people with CHD, using mice to find out how certain proteins affect heart development.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11192955 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the genetic basis of congenital heart disease (CHD), which is the most common birth defect. By using a chemical mutagenesis approach in mice, the study aims to identify mutations that lead to heart malformations. The researchers focus on specific proteins involved in cardiac development and how their absence affects the formation of heart structures. This work could provide insights into why traditional heart failure treatments are less effective for patients with CHD compared to those with structurally normal hearts.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with congenital heart disease, particularly those experiencing heart failure.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and interventions for patients with congenital heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying genetic factors contributing to congenital heart defects, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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 2026-06-09 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.