Understanding how tiny cell structures affect heart development
Optogenetic regulation of intra-ciliary calcium signaling in cardiac situs development
This research explores how tiny, hair-like cell parts called cilia help guide the proper formation of the heart and other organs during early development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126846 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many children are born with heart defects, and some of these are linked to problems with tiny structures called cilia, which are found on nearly all cells. When cilia don't work correctly, it can lead to conditions like heterotaxy, where organs are in the wrong place, often affecting the heart. We know that cilia create a special flow during development that helps establish left-right body symmetry, but it's unclear how cells sense this flow and use it to guide organ placement. This project uses advanced tools and zebrafish models to understand how cilia use calcium signals to communicate and ensure organs develop on the correct side of the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not recruiting patients but aims to help individuals affected by congenital heart diseases and conditions like heterotaxy in the future.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by congenital heart defects or disorders of body patterning would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of the causes of congenital heart disease and other birth defects, potentially guiding future prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on preliminary data and proposes a novel approach to uncover the specific mechanisms by which cilia influence organ development.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Shiaulou — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Shiaulou
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.