Understanding how genes control stem cell dormancy in Ciona
Official title: Dissecting gene regulation of stem cell quiescence in Ciona
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10831392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes help stem cells stay inactive until they're needed, using a sea creature called Ciona robusta, and the goal is to learn how to use this information to create new treatments that help our bodies heal better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM150234-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions that could be treated through regenerative therapies, such as injuries or degenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve stem cell dysfunction or require regenerative therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mechanisms that regulate stem cell quiescence, which is a state where stem cells are inactive but can become active when needed. By studying the marine invertebrate Ciona robusta, researchers aim to uncover how these cells can bypass programmed cell death during their transformation from larval to adult forms. The approach involves using advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate genes and observe their effects on cell behavior. This knowledge could pave the way for developing regenerative therapies that harness the body's own stem cells for healing and repair.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, allowing for improved healing and repair of damaged tissues in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation in stem cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gigante, Eduardo D. — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Gigante, Eduardo D.
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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.