# Molecular networks of epicardial formation and function

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $518,377

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of death in the western world affecting approximately 1.3
million Americans. The heart initially forms in vertebrates as a bilaminar tube comprised of an inner
endocardium and outer myocardial layer. At later stages of development a third layer is added to the
heart from the epicardium which forms from a dynamic precursor structure, the proepicardial organ
(PEO) which forms on the septum transversum, a structure adjacent to the heart. As the embryo
matures, cells from the PEO migrate onto the heart surface ultimately giving rise to several essential cell
types in the adult heart including cardiac fibroblasts and the smooth muscle cells of the vasculature. The
aim of this proposal will leverage our series of unique technologies, reagents, and animal models to
elucidate the molecular and cellular pathways required for the formation and function of the
epicardium. In doing so, we will provide a platform for studying heart formation and hemostasis, and
thus proved mechanistic insight into human congenital heart disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9939673
- **Project number:** 5R01HL135007-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Frank Leo Conlon
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $518,377
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-07-15 → 2021-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9939673

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9939673, Molecular networks of epicardial formation and function (5R01HL135007-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9939673. Licensed CC0.

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