Investigating how Hox genes influence motor neuron development
Official title: Understanding Hox epigenetic memory formation during motor neuron differentiation
Funded at New York University · NIH-10896752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes help shape the development of motor neurons, which are important for movement, by using special DNA technology to see how these genes turn on and off during early growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31GM150235-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic conditions affecting motor neuron development or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed motor neuron functions and no genetic predisposition to related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Hox genes, which are essential for early embryo development, regulate the differentiation of motor neurons. By utilizing advanced synthetic DNA technology, the study aims to explore the mechanisms that control the activation and repression of these genes during development. The approach involves inserting a synthetic Hox cluster into specific locations in the genome to analyze how these genes function in a controlled environment. This could provide insights into the epigenetic memory that influences gene expression during motor neuron formation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for developmental disorders related to motor neuron dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding gene regulation through synthetic biology approaches, indicating potential success for this novel methodology.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ragipani, Bhavana — New York University
- Study coordinator: Ragipani, Bhavana
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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.