How Sonic Hedgehog helps the brain grow and fold
Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Neocortical Growth and Folding
['FUNDING_R01'] · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · NIH-11256712
This work looks at how a growth signal called Sonic Hedgehog controls the number of early brain cells and the folding of the cortex using mice, ferrets, and human stem-cell brain models to help explain developmental brain differences and some childhood brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11256712 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use animal models and lab-grown human brain organoids to see how Sonic Hedgehog increases neural progenitors and leads to cortical folding. They combine mouse genetics, studies in ferrets (which naturally have folded brains), and human cerebral organoids grown from stem cells to mimic human brain development. In the lab they measure changes in cell number, gene activity, and brain structure, and look specifically at molecules like CDK6 and mutations (such as H3pG34R) linked to some childhood brain tumors. The goal is to map the step-by-step molecular signals that make the cortex expand so we can better understand developmental brain differences and how certain cancers hijack these programs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people (or parents of affected children) with developmental cortical malformations or certain pediatric brain tumors who can donate tissue or cells or share clinical data for organoid and genetic studies.
Not a fit: People without relevant developmental cortical disorders or pediatric brain tumors, or those unable to provide samples, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that lead to better diagnosis or new treatments for developmental brain disorders and certain childhood brain tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and organoid studies have shown that increasing SHH expands neural progenitors and can produce cortical folding, so this approach builds on established but still-evolving findings.
Where this research is happening
MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES
- ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL — MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAN, YOUNG-GOO — ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: HAN, YOUNG-GOO
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.