How local cell metabolism shapes an early embryonic organizer
Regional specific metabolism regulates specification of the Spemann Organizer
['FUNDING_R01'] · CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11354387
The team is testing whether local differences in metabolism during very early embryo development help set tissue fates that relate to congenital heart defects in newborns and children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11354387 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From the patient's point of view, researchers are using a frog embryo model to learn how small regions of the embryo use different amounts of oxygen and energy to become organizing tissue that guides development. They will measure oxygen use, manipulate key proteins such as Hif-1α and the ATP synthase c-subunit, and trace connections with Wnt signaling to see how metabolism directs cell fate. Although the experiments are done in amphibian embryos, the questions are linked to human conditions like congenital heart disease and the mitochondrial disorder Leigh’s syndrome. The goal is to reveal basic mechanisms that could explain how early metabolic changes lead to later birth defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this research are families affected by congenital heart disease or mitochondrial disorders such as Leigh’s syndrome who are interested in underlying causes and future research opportunities.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated adult-onset conditions or diseases that do not involve early embryonic development are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of some congenital heart defects and point to biological targets for future prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other basic-science studies have linked metabolism to cell fate in embryos, but applying these concepts to the Spemann-Mangold Organizer and connecting them to congenital heart disease is a relatively novel direction.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KHOKHA, MUSTAFA K — CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: KHOKHA, MUSTAFA K
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.