Understanding how adult pluripotent stem cells develop
Official title: The developmental origin of adult pluripotent stem cells
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10996921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain animals that can regenerate parts of their bodies create special stem cells that can turn into different types of cells, helping us understand how these amazing abilities work and how they might be used in medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32GM153139-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in advancements in regenerative therapies and those with conditions that could be treated through stem cell applications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to stem cell biology or those not seeking regenerative treatments may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the formation of adult pluripotent stem cells (aPSCs) during development, focusing on highly regenerative species. By studying these organisms, the research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the specification and maintenance of aPSCs. The project utilizes advanced techniques such as ATAC sequencing to analyze chromatin states associated with stem cell identity. This work seeks to fill significant gaps in our understanding of how these stem cells are established and retained throughout an organism's life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine by enhancing our understanding of stem cell biology.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding stem cell mechanisms in model organisms, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bump, Paul Alexander Kai — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Bump, Paul Alexander Kai
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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.