Creating a human model to understand how organs develop their left-right symmetry
Official title: Engineering Human Organizer To Study Left-Right Symmetry Breaking
Funded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10837118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our bodies decide which side is left and which side is right during early development, focusing on special cells that help with this process, and it's designed to help researchers understand and prevent problems with organ placement that can lead to birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Troy, United States) |
| Project start | May 4, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,641 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD109620-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10837118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are expectant parents with a history of congenital defects or miscarriages related to organ asymmetry.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital defects unrelated to left-right symmetry or those who are not pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human body establishes left-right symmetry during embryonic development, focusing on the role of specific cells known as the left-right organizer. By using advanced techniques in bioengineering and stem cell biology, the team aims to create a human model that mimics this organizer, which is crucial for proper organ placement and function. The study will utilize microscale devices to explore cellular behaviors and mechanisms that lead to asymmetry in organ development, addressing significant issues related to congenital defects. This innovative approach seeks to overcome ethical limitations associated with studying human embryos directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of congenital defects related to organ asymmetry, potentially reducing rates of miscarriage and improving outcomes for affected infants.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on left-right symmetry in various vertebrates, this approach to engineering a human organizer is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Leo Q. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wan, Leo Q.
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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.