Dissecting the gene regulatory network controlled by GATA transcription factors during cardiogenesis in Xenopus and mammalian ES cell model systems
As the heart develops, stem cells are directed to become specialised heart cells by messages from surrounding cells. The heart’s developmental programming depends on a complex network of signals and actions between cells and proteins in the developing embryo. Professor Stefan Hoppler has been awarded a three-year grant to work out which messages within the network are critical for correct heart development. By understanding how the heart develops at the start of life, scientists hope to find ways to regenerate heart tissue so that in the future, damaged hearts can be successfully repaired. In frog embryos, his team will be focusing on the role of protein messengers called transcription factors, and will confirm these findings in embryonic stem cells from mice as these cells mature to become specialised heart cells. The research is an important step towards understanding heart development, which could lead to ways to regenerate heart tissue, overcome damage to the heart caused by heart disease and treat harmful birth defects.
Project details
| Grant amount | £269,349 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 December 2013 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/13/23/30080 |
| Status | Complete |
