# Investigating the Critical Role of Glia In Peripheral Organ Development and Physiology

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME · 2024 · $76,756

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Organs of the human body rely on complex integration of multiple neuronal circuits in order to maintain
homeostasis. For example, the heart must respond to internal and external stimuli and produce sufficient blood
flow to meet environmental demands. Glia play critical roles to support nervous system function but are also
indispensable for establishment of appropriate circuit structure and physiology. Our lab recently identified a cell
type in the heart with many similarities to astroglia populations found elsewhere in the body. This cell type, which
we termed cardiac nexus glia, is present as the heart is being formed and is critical for establishment of heart
rhythm. Ablation of these glia causes cardiac arrhythmia and ventricular fibrillation, both serious physiological
conditions. This project uses the zebrafish animal model to investigate the developmental ontogeny and
morphological characteristics of cardiac nexus glia in the developing hearts of living animals (Aim 1). Additionally,
it probes the functional relationship between these glia and cardiomyocytes and their roles in modulating heart
rate and rhythm (Aim 2). The results of these experiments will contribute crucial detail to our understanding of
the multi-faceted roles of glia in the peripheral nervous system and provide important and specific insight about
cardiac nexus glia function in heart development and disease.
 This research will be undertaken in a supportive and collaborative laboratory environment within the
Biological Sciences Department at Notre Dame University. It will rely on expertise from staff of the Center for
Zebrafish Research and the Integrated Imaging Facility. In addition to the development of bench skills and
technical expertise inherent to this project, the applicant will also hone teaching, mentoring, and management
skills that will be critical for her future success as a PI running her own research group at a primarily
undergraduate institution.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10840293
- **Project number:** 5F32HL165966-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
- **Principal Investigator:** Sarah Elisabeth Williams Light
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $76,756
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-05-08 → 2026-05-07

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10840293

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10840293, Investigating the Critical Role of Glia In Peripheral Organ Development and Physiology (5F32HL165966-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10840293. Licensed CC0.

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