Understanding how early embryonic cells develop into different types
Official title: Mechanisms of epiblast and primitive endoderm segregation
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11094769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how mouse embryos start to develop by examining how their cells become two important types: the epiblast and the primitive endoderm, which are crucial for forming a healthy organism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 7, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,362 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110577-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the biological mechanisms of embryonic development or those affected by conditions related to developmental abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed conditions unrelated to embryonic development may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early stages of embryonic development, focusing on how cells in the preimplantation mouse embryo differentiate into two key lineages: the epiblast and the primitive endoderm. By observing these processes at a cellular level, the research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that guide this differentiation. The approach involves advanced techniques such as ATAC sequencing to analyze gene expression patterns and cell behavior during this critical phase of development. This could provide insights into how cells organize themselves to form functional structures in an organism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of developmental biology, potentially leading to advancements in regenerative medicine and treatments for developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding cell differentiation processes, but this specific approach using ATAC sequencing in early embryonic development is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Posfai, Eszter — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Posfai, Eszter
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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.