Understanding how certain brain cells develop and function
Official title: Regulation of generation and functions of intermediate progenitors
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11118948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the brain develop and change into different types of brain cells, using fruit flies to help understand the process, which could lead to new ways to treat brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $421,809 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134942-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with brain tumors or neurological disorders, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the generation and function of intermediate progenitor cells, which are crucial for producing differentiated brain cells. By using fruit fly neural stem cells as a model, the study aims to uncover the genetic and regulatory mechanisms that control the proliferation and differentiation of these cells. The researchers will identify specific transcription factors that influence the ability of these progenitor cells to generate more cells and those that help deactivate stem cell functions in intermediate progenitors. This work could provide insights into brain development and potential therapeutic targets for brain tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating brain tumors and other neurological conditions by enhancing our understanding of brain cell development.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using model organisms to understand brain cell development, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Cheng-Yu — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lee, Cheng-Yu
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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.