Understanding how glial cells affect heart development and function
Investigating the Critical Role of Glia In Peripheral Organ Development and Physiology
This study is looking at special brain-like cells in the heart of zebrafish to see how they help the heart grow and beat properly, which could help us understand heart problems like arrhythmias in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glial cells, specifically cardiac nexus glia, in the development and function of the heart using zebrafish as a model organism. The study aims to understand how these glial cells contribute to heart rhythm and structure during development. By examining the relationship between cardiac nexus glia and heart muscle cells, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could lead to arrhythmias and other heart conditions. The findings may provide insights into how glial cells support overall heart health and function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or arrhythmias, particularly those interested in the underlying cellular mechanisms of their conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with heart conditions unrelated to glial cell function or those who do not have a developmental aspect to their heart disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating heart rhythm disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of glial cells in the nervous system is well-established, the specific investigation of cardiac nexus glia in heart development is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Notre Dame, United States
- University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Light, Sarah Elisabeth Williams — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Light, Sarah Elisabeth Williams
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.