Understanding how genes from each parent influence development at a single-cell level
Official title: Decoding the dynamics and regulation of parental allelic expression at single-cell resolution
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11015047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes from both mom and dad work together to help develop embryos, using simple sea creatures to see how these genes are expressed at a very detailed level.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,728 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD102584-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of genetic disorders or those interested in the genetic basis of development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic component to their condition or those not interested in genetic research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genes inherited from both parents contribute to development, focusing on the unique expression of certain genes from either the mother or father. By using hybrid ascidians, which are simpler organisms closely related to vertebrates, the study aims to map the expression of these genes at a single-cell resolution. The approach involves advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to capture detailed genetic information from developing embryos, allowing for a better understanding of how parental genes regulate development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of genetic contributions to development and disease risk, potentially leading to improved strategies for addressing genetic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using hybrid ascidians for this type of genetic analysis is relatively novel, similar studies in other organisms have shown promising results in understanding gene expression dynamics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Chen — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Cao, Chen
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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.