Understanding how newborn hearts adapt to life outside the womb

Epigenetic regulation of the metabolic shift in mammalian perinatal hearts

NIH-funded research Augusta University · NIH-11072071

This study looks at how baby hearts change when they are born and start living outside the womb, using mice to learn more about the proteins that help these changes happen, which could eventually help us find better treatments for heart problems in newborns.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAugusta University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Augusta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11072071 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the critical metabolic changes that occur in mammalian hearts during the transition from the womb to the outside environment. By using mouse models, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that regulate these changes, particularly focusing on the role of specific proteins that influence heart development. The findings could lead to new insights into treating heart conditions that affect newborns, particularly those related to metabolic shifts. The research employs advanced genetic techniques to manipulate and observe heart function in these models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include newborns diagnosed with congenital heart defects or related cardiac conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with fully developed hearts and no history of cardiac issues are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for congenital heart defects and other cardiomyopathies in newborns.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac development and metabolic shifts, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Augusta, 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.
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.