Understanding how the extracellular matrix affects heart defects in Down Syndrome.
Investigating the Role of Extracellular Matrix in Down Syndrome Associated Cardiac Phenotypes.
This study is looking at how changes in the heart's support structure might lead to heart problems in babies with Down Syndrome, using special cells to create 3D heart models to better understand what goes wrong during heart development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11070768 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in causing congenital heart defects (CHD) in infants with Down Syndrome. By using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from individuals with Down Syndrome, the study aims to explore how changes in the ECM during heart development can lead to abnormal heart structures. The researchers will create 3D cardiac models to analyze the molecular and cellular interactions that contribute to these defects, focusing on how ECM alterations affect heart cell behavior and development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include infants diagnosed with Down Syndrome who are at risk for congenital heart defects.
Not a fit: Patients without Down Syndrome or those who do not have congenital heart defects may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for congenital heart defects in infants with Down Syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cardiac defects through similar approaches, but this specific investigation into the ECM in Down Syndrome is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borden, Leah K — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Borden, Leah K
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.