Understanding how signals control heart cell growth during development
Signal-dependent regulation of cardiac progenitor proliferation
This study looks at how certain signals help heart cells grow and divide before birth, using a simple organism to learn more about heart development, which could lead to better treatments for congenital heart issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Swarthmore College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Swarthmore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11043504 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific signals influence the growth and division of heart cell progenitors during prenatal development. By studying a simple organism related to vertebrates, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that regulate the proliferation of cardiac progenitor cells. The project will explore how different populations of these cells respond to various signals, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of congenital heart disorders. Patients may benefit from insights gained into heart development and potential new therapies for heart defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or those at risk of developing such conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with acquired heart conditions unrelated to congenital defects may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for congenital heart disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While this research explores novel approaches, similar studies in other organisms have shown promise in understanding heart development.
Where this research is happening
Swarthmore, United States
- Swarthmore College — Swarthmore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davidson, Bradley J — Swarthmore College
- Study coordinator: Davidson, Bradley J
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.