Identifying the factors that influence the development of human motor neurons
Official title: Uncovering the transcription factors that control human motor neuron cell fate
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11070772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help turn stem cells into motor neurons, which are important for movement, to better understand conditions like ALS and SMA, and to find new ways to create cells for research and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HD117663-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal muscular atrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with motor neuron diseases unrelated to the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific transcription factors control the differentiation of pluripotent cells into motor neurons, which are crucial for muscle movement. By understanding the gene expression profiles regulated by these factors, the study aims to improve knowledge of developmental disorders and generate relevant cell types for disease modeling. The focus is on motor neurons affected by conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which currently have limited treatment options. The research employs advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing to explore the transcription factor landscape during motor neuron development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating ALS and SMA by enhancing the generation of healthy motor neurons.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding transcription factors in cell differentiation, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Siyi — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Li, Siyi
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.