Understanding how certain cells develop into vagal neural crest cells
Official title: Molecular and cellular pathways driving competency for human vagal neural crest specification
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10727766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to turn special stem cells into nerve cells that could help treat conditions like Hirschsprung's Disease, and it's for anyone interested in new ways to improve health for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $486,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD112917-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10727766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital conditions related to neural crest development, particularly those diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neural crest development or those who do not have congenital disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how human pluripotent stem cells can be transformed into neural crest-like cells that have the potential to develop into vagal neural crest cells. By using retinoic acid and advanced lineage tracing technology, the researchers aim to identify the early stages of cell differentiation and the specific gene expression patterns that indicate vagal competence. The findings could enhance our understanding of how to generate these cells for therapeutic purposes, particularly for conditions like Hirschsprung's Disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for congenital conditions affecting the nervous system, such as Hirschsprung's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using stem cells for neural crest differentiation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Studer, Lorenz P. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Studer, Lorenz P.
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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.