Creating a human yolk sac model to study early pregnancy development
Stem cell-based 3D model of human yolk sac for experimental interrogations
['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA · NIH-11120538
This study is creating a 3D model of the human yolk sac using special stem cells to better understand how different factors can impact early embryo development and health, which could help improve outcomes for pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HONOLULU, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11120538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a three-dimensional model of the human yolk sac using pluripotent stem cells. The yolk sac is crucial for early embryo development, providing essential nutrients and supporting blood cell formation during the first trimester. By creating this model, researchers hope to investigate how various environmental and genetic factors can affect yolk sac function and, consequently, embryo health. This approach will allow for more accurate studies compared to traditional animal models, which do not fully replicate human conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women in early pregnancy or those with a history of complications during the first trimester.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those in later stages of pregnancy may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of complications in early pregnancy, improving outcomes for both mothers and embryos.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been successful studies using animal models, this approach to create a human-specific yolk sac model is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
HONOLULU, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA — HONOLULU, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARIKAWA, YUSUKE — UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
- Study coordinator: MARIKAWA, YUSUKE
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 below.