Creating human yolk sac models to study early embryo development
Establishment of yolk sac organoids for developmental toxicity assessment
This study is creating tiny models of the yolk sac, which helps nourish embryos in early pregnancy, to see how different environmental factors like infections or chemicals might affect embryo health, helping us better understand human development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10989052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing human yolk sac organoids, which are miniature models of the yolk sac created from human pluripotent stem cells. The yolk sac is crucial for supplying nutrients to the embryo during the first trimester, and understanding its development can help identify harmful environmental factors that may affect embryo health. By using these organoids, researchers aim to investigate how various environmental insults, such as infections or chemical exposures, impact the yolk sac and, consequently, embryo development. This approach allows for a more accurate study of human embryonic development compared to traditional animal models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are expectant mothers or those planning to conceive, particularly those concerned about environmental exposures during early pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or not planning to conceive 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 developmental issues in embryos caused by environmental factors.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches using animal models have shown success, this specific method of creating human yolk sac organoids 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.