Understanding how early cells develop and behave in mice
Official title: Spatially-resolved, integrated cell state and lineage tracing to define progenitor cell dynamics in early mouse development
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-11110183 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain early cells in mice work together to build different tissues, using new technology to track their behavior, which could help us understand normal development and diseases like cancer better, and possibly lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $125,000 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD118574-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110183 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the genetic and developmental aspects of diseases, particularly those related to cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced-stage diseases or those not interested in the biological mechanisms of development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of progenitor cells during early mouse development, focusing on how these cells integrate various types of information to form complex tissues. Using a novel technology called PEtracer, the study will assess cell states and lineages through advanced imaging and sequencing techniques. The goal is to create detailed maps of cell behavior that can inform our understanding of both normal development and disease processes, particularly in cancer. By examining how cells interact with their environment, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding developmental processes and cancer biology, potentially informing new treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success using similar advanced imaging and genetic techniques to study cell behavior, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koblan, Luke William — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Koblan, Luke William
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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.