Understanding how early cells form the body and organs
Investigation of a neuromesendodermal progenitor population in the posterior avian endoderm
This research explores how cells organize and develop into complex body parts in early life, using chick embryos to learn about fundamental processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109471 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies begin as simple groups of cells that must organize perfectly to form all the different tissues and organs. This project uses chick embryos to understand the precise signals and forces that guide these cells as they develop. We are particularly interested in how certain "progenitor" cells can give rise to different parts of the brain and other structures. By studying these basic steps, we hope to uncover the rules that govern healthy development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve human participants, but its findings could eventually inform future studies for individuals with developmental disorders or certain cancers.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these fundamental processes of cell development could provide crucial insights into how diseases like cancer begin and how birth defects occur, potentially leading to new ways to prevent or treat them.
How similar studies have performed: Recent discoveries have challenged older ideas about how cells develop in the early embryo, suggesting that this area of research is actively uncovering new and important biological mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nerurkar, Nandan L — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Nerurkar, Nandan L
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 below.