How embryos set up left and right sides of the body
Linking Hedgehog and Nodal/TGF-beta signaling in the establishment of left-right asymmetry
This research looks at how two important signals in early embryos work together so organs end up on the correct left or right side.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376300 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how Hedgehog and Nodal/TGF-beta signaling pathways interact during the earliest stages of embryo development to set left-right body asymmetry. They will use mouse embryos and molecular lab techniques to follow how cilia-driven fluid flow at the embryonic node creates signals that reach the left-side tissue and activate key genes. The team will change gene activity and signaling to find the exact point where the two pathways come together and make the left side responsive. The goal is to explain why some babies develop heart and other organ placement defects and to provide clues for future clinical work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People or families affected by congenital heart defects or organ laterality disorders (such as heterotaxy or situs abnormalities) would be most relevant to related clinical research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated adult-onset conditions or acquired heart disease are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this basic embryology research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of congenital heart and organ laterality defects and point to directions for future prevention or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown that both Hedgehog and Nodal signaling matter for left-right patterning, but the precise molecular connection targeted here is not yet worked out.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- George Washington University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Xiaoyan — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Xiaoyan
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.