NIH-funded research R21 grant

Animal model proof-of-concept for TAR syndrome treatment

Official title: Concept-proof of treatment in a rodent model of thrombocytopenia-absent-radius (TAR) syndrome

Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11352187 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A researcher is testing new ways to treat TAR syndrome by using a mouse model that mimics the human bone and blood problems.

More Thrombocytopenia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project startAugust 14, 2026
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$427,134
NIH project number1R21HD122002-01
Project IDNIH-11352187 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are individuals with TAR syndrome or those at risk due to RBM8A haploinsufficiency who could benefit from future therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients without TAR syndrome or RBM8A-related conditions may not be directly helped by this study.

What this research studies

This project creates and studies mice with RBM8A-related defects to reproduce TAR syndrome features like missing radius bones and low platelet counts. It also uses a cellular system with human RBM8A reporters to screen compounds that can raise RBM8A levels. The team plans to test promising compounds in the animal model to see if they improve bone development and blood cell formation. This work aims to lay the groundwork for future interventions that could benefit people with TAR syndrome.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to treatments that improve bone development and platelet counts in TAR syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: Preclinical models and cellular screens have shown that targeting RBM8A pathways can influence relevant phenotypes, supporting translational potential.

Where this research is happening

  • Pennsylvania State University, the
    University Park, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mao, Yingwei — Pennsylvania State University, the
  • Study coordinator: Mao, Yingwei

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.