How folate helps the developing baby's nervous system
Mechanisms of folate action during nervous system development
This project looks at how folate and its receptor help the early embryo's nervous system form so neural tube defects are prevented.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168596 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses frog embryos and human stem-cell derived neural organoids to learn how folate and its receptor FOLR1 help the neural tube close during early development. The team found that FOLR1 controls membrane trafficking and adherens junction turnover by counteracting a protein called CD2AP, actions that help neural plate cells constrict and fold. They will map the signaling partners and molecular steps that link folate/FOLR1 to these cell behaviors. Understanding these mechanisms may point to new ways to prevent or treat neural tube defects in future pregnancies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most directly relevant are pregnant individuals or those planning pregnancy and families with a history of neural tube defects who could benefit from improved prevention strategies informed by this research.
Not a fit: This laboratory-focused work will not provide immediate clinical treatments for people already living with unrelated neurological conditions or for infants currently affected by neural tube defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets or strategies to further reduce neural tube defects beyond current folate supplementation.
How similar studies have performed: Folate supplementation is already proven to lower neural tube defect risk in humans, while the specific FOLR1–CD2AP signaling mechanism described here is a newer, promising finding that still needs further validation.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borodinsky, Laura Noemi — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Borodinsky, Laura Noemi
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.