Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Northwestern University received a $249,000 Project Grant award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), effective May 14, 2026, through April 30, 2029. The award supports a structured training and research program (K99/R00 phase) under the direction of Dr. Monroe to investigate the molecular mechanisms linking MYH7 gene variants to left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC). During the initial K99 phase, the research will evaluate missense MYH7 variants associated with LVNC using engineered human heart tissues derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and conduct population-scale genetic studies leveraging linked cardiac imaging and genotype data to identify LVNC-associated MYH7 variations.

As Dr. Monroe transitions to the independent R00 phase, the research will expand to investigate the HIPPO pathway's role in cellular proliferation and specification relevant to LVNC pathogenesis. These research activities aim to differentiate reduced contractility variants in LVNC from hyperdynamic variants associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and to help adjudicate variants of uncertain significance in clinical genetic testing, ultimately advancing understanding of LVNC mechanisms and supporting improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this cardiac condition.