Understanding how zebrafish hearts maintain their unique structures
Official title: Mechanisms underlying maintenance of cardiac chamber identity in zebrafish
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11131654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how genes help keep the different parts of a zebrafish's heart unique, which could help us understand heart development and problems in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $788,513 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL175360-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or those interested in the genetic basis of heart development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acquired heart conditions unrelated to developmental mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mechanisms that help maintain the distinct identities of heart chambers in zebrafish. By examining how certain signaling pathways influence the characteristics of heart cells, the study aims to uncover why some heart cells can change their identity under specific conditions. The research uses zebrafish as a model organism due to their transparent embryos, allowing for real-time observation of heart development. Insights gained could inform our understanding of heart development and potential defects in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating heart defects in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using zebrafish to study heart development, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yelon, Deborah — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Yelon, Deborah
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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.