Understanding how heart cells develop and maintain their identity
Official title: Mechanisms governing the differentiation and maintenance of atrial identity
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11063165 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes affect the development of heart cells, especially in babies, to understand why some newborns have heart defects and to find better ways to treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $573,472 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168790-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063165 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include newborns and children diagnosed with congenital heart defects, particularly those with atrial septal defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital heart defects that are not related to atrial development or those who are adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms that are crucial for the proper development of heart cells, particularly focusing on atrial cardiomyocytes. It aims to uncover how mutations in specific genes can lead to congenital heart defects, which are common in newborns and can result in serious complications like arrhythmias. By studying these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into the causes of these defects and improve treatment strategies. The approach involves analyzing gene expression and the role of transcription factors in heart development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for congenital heart defects and associated arrhythmias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding genetic mechanisms related to congenital heart defects, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waxman, Joshua — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Waxman, Joshua
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Accelerating Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevention in Uganda
A program to find people with rheumatic heart disease in Ugandan communities and give them preventive care close to home.
-
Enhanced surveillance network to track childhood vaccines and viral infections in kids
A nationwide pediatric surveillance network will closely watch how common viruses and vaccines affect children’s health, using standard protocols at hospital and ED sites.
-
Advancing CNS drug delivery through epigenetic tweaks
A medical research project aims to help people with lysosomal storage disorders by improving how treatments reach the brain.
-
Spina Bifida Registry for Better Clinic Care
A national registry project aims to improve care for people with spina bifida by collecting and sharing data from multidisciplinary clinics to guide evidence-based practices.
-
Hydroxyurea to help children with sickle cell anemia in Africa
A pediatric study tests hydroxyurea treatment for young children with sickle cell anemia in several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and improve health.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell in Africa
A pilot study tests hydroxyurea in young children with sickle cell disease across several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and hospital visits.
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.