Investigating how human nerve cells cross the midline during development
Official title: Human cellular model of midline crossing to study developmental neurological disorders
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11047494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve cells in the developing brain and spinal cord move across a key area, which is important for healthy brain function, and it's for anyone interested in understanding the causes of certain neurological disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $598,952 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136675-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with developmental neurological disorders that may be related to axon guidance issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders not associated with midline crossing defects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how nerve cells in the developing human nervous system cross the midline, a process that is crucial for proper brain and spinal cord function. Researchers will create specialized human cellular models called neural assembloids, which mimic the interactions between different types of nerve cells. By studying these models, they aim to uncover the mechanisms behind axon guidance defects that can lead to neurological disorders. This approach combines advanced techniques in stem cell biology and organoid technology to explore the cellular processes involved in midline crossing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential therapies for neurological disorders linked to midline connectivity defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cellular models to study neurological processes, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasca, Sergiu — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Pasca, Sergiu
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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.