How cell signals guide early embryo development
Extracellular regulation of Xenopus development
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11252344
This project looks at how different cell signals help embryo cells move and align correctly, which could shed light on birth defects like problems with neural tube closure.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252344 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will work with frog (Xenopus) embryos to watch how groups of cells line up and move during early development. They will use live imaging to follow proteins that mark two directional axes in the embryo and compare normal proteins to mutated versions. Proteomics and cell biology methods will identify interacting molecules, and experiments will test how growth factor (FGF) signals affect tissue folding. The goal is to link molecular events to the cell movements that underlie neural tube formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People and families affected by neural tube defects or other congenital birth defects related to early embryonic tissue folding may find this research relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or therapies are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic laboratory research using frog embryos.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve understanding of the causes of neural tube and related birth defects and point to new prevention or treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and genetic studies have linked planar cell polarity proteins (like Vangl2) to neural tube defects, but translating these findings into clinical treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SOKOL, SERGEI — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: SOKOL, SERGEI
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.
Conditions: Cancers