How developing human brain cells become astrocytes
Understanding glial fate restriction in humans
This research looks at how cells in the developing human cortex during early pregnancy (first and second trimesters) decide to become astrocytes, the brain's support cells, to improve understanding of human brain development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256774 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to identify the signals and genes that guide progenitor cells in the human cortex to become astrocytes. The team will use human-derived materials and lab-grown models that mimic early fetal brain development to map timing and molecular cues. Because mouse and other animal models differ from humans, the researchers focus on human-specific patterns and genes such as ASCL1. The work is laboratory-based and seeks to show when and how the production of astrocytes is restricted during prenatal development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Participants would likely be adult donors, including consenting pregnant people in the first or second trimesters who can provide tissue or clinical samples for developmental research.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate treatment for a neurological condition should not expect direct medical benefit from participating, since this is basic developmental research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of astrocyte-related developmental brain disorders and point to new targets for future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies, especially in mice, have outlined the timing of astrocyte production, but direct human-focused studies are limited and this approach emphasizing human tissue and models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramanathan, Sharad — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Ramanathan, Sharad
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.