A new platform to create complex brain models for studying neural development.
Official title: An Engineered Bioprinting Platform to Study Neural Migration in Assembloids
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11129530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to create brain models that combine different parts of the brain to help us understand how the brain develops, which could lead to better insights for people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $769,352 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH137333-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders or those at risk for such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurodevelopmental disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel bioengineering platform to create brain assembloids, which are advanced models that combine organoids from different brain regions. By improving the quality and reproducibility of these assembloids, the research aims to better understand neural migration and interactions critical for brain development. This approach addresses limitations of current methods that lead to variability and poor physiological relevance. Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders may benefit from insights gained through this innovative modeling technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using organoids for modeling brain disorders, but this approach of combining multiple organoid types is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heilshorn, Sarah C — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Heilshorn, Sarah C
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.