Understanding how cells communicate during early human development
Official title: Signaling dynamics in the control of ectoderm patterning and morphogenesis
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11039834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nervous system forms in early human development using special lab-grown cells, which helps researchers understand how to prevent serious birth defects related to the spine and brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $342,896 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM149328-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of congenital abnormalities or birth defects, particularly those affecting the nervous system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed neural systems and no history of congenital defects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the critical process of neurulation, which shapes the nervous system during early human development. By using human pluripotent stem cells, the team creates two-dimensional and three-dimensional models to study how cells organize and signal to each other. These models allow researchers to explore the dynamics of cell communication and the factors that influence the formation of the neural tube, which is essential for preventing severe birth defects. The approach aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these processes in a controlled environment, providing insights that are difficult to obtain from traditional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of severe birth defects related to neural tube formation.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using stem cell models for studying early development is gaining traction, this specific investigation into neurulation dynamics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Warmflash, Aryeh — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Warmflash, Aryeh
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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.