Understanding how heart function contributes to congenital heart defects
Optical Tools to Assess the Role of Cardiac Function in the Development of Congenital Heart Defects
We are learning how changes in blood flow during early heart development might cause birth defects, like congenital heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11052540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that changes in blood flow and pressure inside a developing heart can lead to congenital heart defects. This project uses advanced imaging techniques, like special cameras, to see how blood moves in tiny, developing hearts. We are also creating new ways to look at how genes are affected in different parts of the heart when blood flow is abnormal. By combining these measurements, we hope to understand the exact molecular signals that cause these heart problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on the earliest stages of heart development, aiming to help future patients with congenital heart defects, especially those linked to conditions like 22q11 deletion syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find it in this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help us understand the root causes of congenital heart defects, potentially leading to new ways to prevent or treat them.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown a connection between blood flow and heart defects, and this project builds on existing imaging techniques to explore new molecular details.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jenkins, Michael W. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Jenkins, Michael W.
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.