Understanding how heart cells interact with their surrounding environment during heart development
Official title: Mechanisms of cardiomyocyte-extracellular matrix interactions in cardiogenesis
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-10291550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart cells interact with their surrounding environment while the heart is developing, using zebrafish to learn how these interactions might help prevent heart problems that can happen from birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $411,542 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HD106256-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10291550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or those with a family history of heart conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without congenital heart defects or those who do not have a genetic predisposition to heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between heart cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the development of the heart. By studying zebrafish models, the researchers aim to uncover how signals from the ECM influence the migration and growth of cardiomyocytes, which are essential for proper heart formation. The study employs advanced microscopy techniques to visualize these processes in real-time, providing insights into the cellular mechanisms that could lead to congenital heart defects. The findings may help identify genetic mutations that affect heart development and contribute to heart disease later in life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for congenital heart defects and related cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding heart development through similar approaches, particularly in model organisms like zebrafish.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schumacher, Jennifer — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Schumacher, Jennifer
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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.