Measuring and modeling how human stem cells pattern themselves
Official title: Measuring and modeling the dynamics ofpatterning in human stem cells
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11398064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team at Harvard is studying how human stem cells sense signals and organize into patterns, to better understand normal development and related diseases.
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 start | January 11, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $343,906 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM131105-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient population; the study uses stem-cell models to understand human development.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits are not immediate; results may inform future therapies or diagnostics.
What this research studies
This project uses human stem-cell models to map how cells interpret signals to decide their fates and form tissues. It focuses on axial elongation in early human development, where the embryo lengthens along the head-to-tail axis and tailbud cells differentiate into neural and mesodermal tissues. By creating reproducible organoid systems that mimic posterior patterning, the study aims to uncover how progenitor cells stay in a renewing pool while differentiating. The work emphasizes translating findings from model systems to human biology and addressing variability in organoid models. Ethical use of in vitro models is part of the approach to study human development while minimizing risks to real embryos.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of human development could lead to insights for developmental diseases and improved strategies for tissue engineering.
How similar studies have gone: Previous organoid models have shown promise in reproducing aspects of human development, but human axial elongation remains challenging and not fully replicated.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramanathan, Sharad — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Ramanathan, Sharad
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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.