Understanding how the pericardium forms around the heart
Official title: Decoding the transcriptional mechanisms of pericardium formation
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11051901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the protective layer around the heart, called the pericardium, forms and works, using zebrafish to help understand its role in heart health and issues like congenital heart defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $527,781 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168097-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart anomalies or those who have experienced cardiac injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed and healthy cardiac structures may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the formation of the pericardium, the protective layer surrounding the heart. By using zebrafish as a model organism, the researchers will employ advanced techniques such as live imaging and single-cell transcriptome analysis to track and analyze the development of the pericardium. The goal is to uncover how the pericardium interacts with the heart and its role in heart health, particularly in the context of congenital heart defects and recovery from cardiac injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for congenital heart defects and better recovery strategies for patients undergoing heart surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on pericardium formation is relatively novel, similar research approaches in cardiac development have shown promising results in understanding heart formation and function.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mosimann, Christian — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Mosimann, Christian
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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.