Understanding how heart valves develop in babies with congenital heart disease
Official title: Prenatal valve formation in congenital heart disease
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11084505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a serious heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot affects the way heart valves form in developing babies, using chick embryos to see how unusual blood flow changes their growth, which could help doctors find better ways to diagnose and treat this condition in newborns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170097-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are expectant parents whose fetuses are diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot or other congenital heart defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital heart defects unrelated to Tetralogy of Fallot may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the formation of heart valves in fetuses affected by Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a serious congenital heart defect. By using a chick embryo model, the study aims to observe how abnormal blood flow impacts the development and remodeling of cardiac valves and arteries during critical prenatal stages. The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques to monitor these changes over time, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of heart malformations. This knowledge could lead to improved strategies for early diagnosis and intervention in affected newborns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of congenital heart defects and lead to better treatment options for affected infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac development through similar animal models, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rugonyi, Sandra — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Rugonyi, Sandra
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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.