How two cell signaling systems guide left-right organ placement
Linking Hedgehog and Nodal/TGF-beta signaling in the establishment of left-right asymmetry
This work looks at how two molecular signals, Hedgehog and Nodal/TGF-beta, help organs end up on the correct left or right side during early development and why that sometimes goes wrong causing birth defects.
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-11146742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists are using animal embryos and molecular tools to follow how Hedgehog and Nodal/TGF-beta signals talk to each other when the body's left-right layout is first formed. They will study cilia-driven fluid flow in the embryo's node, track how signaling molecules reach the lateral plate mesoderm, and change specific genes to see what makes that tissue respond. Imaging and genetic experiments will be used to find the precise point where the two pathways converge to turn on left-sided development. The goal is to connect these basic steps to the birth defects seen in people when left-right patterning goes wrong.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People born with laterality disorders such as heterotaxy or congenital heart defects related to organ placement would be most directly connected to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with acquired heart disease or unrelated adult conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic developmental research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of congenital heart and organ placement defects and eventually help improve diagnosis or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown that Hedgehog and Nodal pathways are important for left-right patterning, but the exact convergence point being examined here is newer and less tested.
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.