Lab-grown models that recreate and test early human cortex development
Platform to accurately recapitulate and perturb cortical development and morphogenesis in vitro
This project grows and tweaks human tissue models of the developing brain to learn which genes and signals cause early cortical malformations and help people with developmental brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11230239 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will turn human stem cells into organized forebrain-like tissues using bioengineering methods such as printed cysts and controlled signaling gradients. They will apply high-throughput, cell-type specific genetic perturbations and use single-cell genomics plus advanced imaging to watch how cells form patterns and shapes. The platform is built to test hundreds of conditions in parallel to identify genes and signals that drive normal versus abnormal cortical morphogenesis. Findings aim to clarify mechanisms behind congenital brain malformations and point toward better diagnostics and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People or families affected by congenital cortical malformations or with known mutations in developmental genes (for example BMPR1A or ACVRLK3) could be candidates to provide samples or be future beneficiaries of this research.
Not a fit: People with adult-acquired neurological conditions that are unrelated to early brain development are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic and developmental causes of early brain malformations and speed development of improved diagnostics and targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid and stem-cell models have previously captured some aspects of human brain development, but combining high-throughput patterning with large-scale genetic perturbations is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramanathan, Sharad — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Ramanathan, Sharad
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.