Tuesday, November 4, 2025 11/4/2025

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

Award Number: F32HL165966
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/08/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/07/2026

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


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $80,224 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC	940 GRACE HALL	NOTRE DAME	IN	46556	ST JOSEPH	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	001	3	8/21/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,332
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC	940 GRACE HALL	NOTRE DAME	IN	46556	ST JOSEPH	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	3	5/16/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$78,892
														Subtotal = $80,224

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $76,756 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC	836 GRACE HALL	NOTRE DAME	IN	46556	ST JOSEPH	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	2	6/10/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$76,756
														Subtotal = $76,756

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $69,500 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC	940 GRACE HALL	NOTRE DAME	IN	46556	ST JOSEPH	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	001	1	4/15/2023	NEW	$0
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC	940 GRACE HALL	NOTRE DAME	IN	46556	ST JOSEPH	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	1	4/15/2023	NEW	$69,500
														Subtotal = $69,500

Grand Total All Awards = $226,480

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

Award Number: F32HL165966

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/08/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/07/2026

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