Understanding and preventing neural tube defects in newborns
Official title: Integrated Wnt Signaling and Maternal Intervention of Neural Tube Defects
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-11040342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some babies are born with spina bifida, a condition where the spine doesn’t close properly, by using special mice to find important genes and signals that could help prevent this issue, which could lead to better outcomes for affected babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $759,076 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132387-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant, particularly those with a family history of neural tube defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with severe neural tube defects and are beyond the prenatal stage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind neural tube defects (NTDs), particularly spina bifida, which occurs when the spinal column fails to close properly. By using genetically modified mouse models, the study aims to identify key genes and signaling pathways involved in NTDs, focusing on the Wnt signaling pathway. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing these serious birth defects, potentially improving outcomes for affected newborns. The research will explore both the genetic factors and possible maternal interventions that could reduce the incidence of NTDs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective prevention strategies for neural tube defects, significantly improving the health and quality of life for affected infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to neural tube defects, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Chengji — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Chengji
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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.