NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how cells decide their fate during early development

Official title: Molecular recording to understand the determinants of cell fate transitions in early development

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11056874 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a single cell can turn into different types of cells in mammals, using new techniques to watch this process happen in real-time, which could help us learn more about development and improve treatments in regenerative medicine.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startMarch 15, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$249,000
NIH project number5R00HG012973-03
Project IDNIH-11056874 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in advancements in regenerative medicine and developmental biology, particularly those affected by conditions related to cell differentiation.

Less likely to help

Patients with established conditions that do not involve cellular development or differentiation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms that determine how a single cell develops into various specialized cell types during mammalian development. By using innovative molecular recording techniques, the study aims to observe and document cellular events continuously and non-destructively. This approach allows researchers to track cell lineage and key signaling events in real-time, providing insights into the processes that guide cell fate decisions. The findings could enhance our understanding of developmental biology and have implications for regenerative medicine.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine by improving our understanding of how to manipulate cell fate for therapeutic purposes.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise with similar molecular recording techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Choi, Junhong — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Choi, Junhong

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.