How cell polarity signals shape developing brain cells
Polarity Signals Coordinate Neuronal Differentiation & Nuclear Organization
['FUNDING_R01'] · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · NIH-11237192
This project looks at whether proteins that guide a nerve cell’s direction also change how DNA is packaged inside developing brain cells, which could matter for children with developmental brain disorders or pediatric brain cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11237192 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient’s perspective, scientists are studying specific proteins (like Pard6a, Pard3, and Siah2) that help young nerve cells move and stick in the developing brain and may also travel into the cell’s nucleus to change how DNA is packed. The team uses genetic experiments in living models and lab-based (ex vivo) experiments on brain cells to track how changing these proteins alters chromatin compaction and neuronal maturation. Their work focuses on cerebellar granule neurons as a model for how polarity signaling links cell movement and adhesion with nuclear organization. This is basic research that aims to fill a gap in understanding, not a new treatment yet.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with developmental brain disorders or pediatric brain tumors are the groups most likely to be relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without neurological developmental conditions or adults with unrelated illnesses are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets or biomarkers that eventually help diagnose or treat developmental brain disorders and some pediatric brain cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies—including the investigators’ own work—have linked these proteins to neuron development and chromatin changes, but translating those findings into therapies is still new.
Where this research is happening
MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES
- ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL — MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SOLECKI, DAVID JOSEPH — ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: SOLECKI, DAVID JOSEPH
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.