Understanding how non-coding changes affect heart development
Official title: Decoding the role of non-coding mutations in gene regulation by cardiac transcription factors
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras · NIH-11424549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to figure out how non-coding genetic changes influence heart development in CHD, focusing on how they alter heart-related transcription factors and gene regulation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | July 27, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $149,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM159796-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
No direct patient participants are described in the grant abstract; the study focuses on molecular mechanisms in genetics related to CHD.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without CHD or relevant non-coding mutations are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project will look at non-coding DNA mutations linked to congenital heart disease and how they affect the binding of heart-specific transcription factors. Researchers will use high-throughput biochemical methods to test many variants and their impact on gene regulation during heart development. The work includes analyzing diverse genetic backgrounds to capture a wide range of mutations and alleles. By mapping these effects, the study aims to uncover mechanisms behind CHD and point toward potential future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could reveal how certain genetic changes disrupt heart development, guiding future therapies or precision medicine approaches for CHD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that non-coding regions can influence heart development through TF binding, supporting the plausibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez-Martinez, Jose a — University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez-Martinez, Jose a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Alcohol and sleep: how alcohol changes brain sleep circuits in fruit flies
A small study in fruit flies looks at how alcohol changes sleep-circuit signals, with the goal of understanding sleep problems in people with alcohol use issues.
-
Basonuclin-1 and the progression of inflammatory breast cancer
Researchers are studying how a gene called basonuclin-1 may drive aggressive, hard-to-treat inflammatory breast cancer to help find new ways to stop its spread.
-
Tiny brain sensor to detect neuropeptide Y (NPY) signals
This project builds a very small, aptamer-coated sensor to continuously read neuropeptide Y (NPY) released by brain cells so researchers can link NPY signals to neurological problems.
-
Creating a new tool to measure NPY levels in the brain
This study is working on a tiny device that can keep track of a brain chemical called Neuropeptide Y, which might help us understand its role in different brain disorders, making it easier to learn how it affects brain health.
-
Training underrepresented minority students in neuroscience at the University of Puerto Rico
The NeuroGRAD@UPR program is designed to help underrepresented minority students succeed in neuroscience by offering training, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, so they can build their skills and confidence for a bright future in the field.
-
A program to improve asthma awareness and STEM education in Puerto Rico
This study is all about helping high school teachers and students in Puerto Rico learn more about STEM subjects while also understanding asthma, a big health issue in their area, by giving teachers training and students hands-on experiences that connect science to real-life problems.
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.