Understanding how heart structures develop and lead to congenital heart disease

Patterning Mechanisms for Ventricular Septation and Congenital Heart Disease

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11175773

This study is looking at how the heart's wall forms to help prevent heart problems in babies, focusing on certain genes that might cause issues if they don't work right, with the hope of improving early detection and treatment for kids with heart defects.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11175773 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the formation of the interventricular septum (IVS) in the heart, which is crucial for preventing congenital heart disease (CHD) in children. By examining gene expression and cellular behaviors, the study aims to identify how disruptions in these processes can lead to heart defects. The researchers will focus on specific genes, Ntn1 and Slit2, that are believed to play significant roles in the proper development of the IVS. This work could enhance prenatal screening and treatment options for children with heart defects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are diagnosed with congenital heart disease or are at risk for developing such conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital heart disease not related to interventricular septum formation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prenatal screening and treatment strategies for congenital heart disease in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding congenital heart disease through genetic and developmental studies, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Conditions Candidate Disease Gene
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.