Understanding how human thyroid cells develop and function
Official title: Thyroid Follicular Cell Signaling and Development in Humans
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10849930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to grow thyroid cells from special stem cells to learn more about congenital hypothyroidism, a condition that affects hormone production in the thyroid, with the hope of finding new ways to treat it in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $395,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK105029-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital hypothyroidism or those at risk of developing this condition due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without congenital hypothyroidism or related thyroid disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of thyroid follicular cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to better understand congenital hypothyroidism, a condition affecting hormone production from the thyroid gland. The researchers will use innovative techniques to trace the lineage of these cells and ensure that their development mimics natural processes. By identifying key factors involved in this development, the study aims to pave the way for potential genetic editing and cellular therapies that could treat congenital hypothyroidism effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for congenital hypothyroidism, potentially reducing the need for lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cells for thyroid cell development, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollenberg, Anthony N — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Hollenberg, Anthony N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Creating a detailed map of early lung cancer changes
This study is looking at early changes in lung tissue that can lead to cancer, specifically focusing on common types of lung cancer, and it's for patients who want to help researchers understand these changes better so they can improve early detection and treatment.
-
Telomere trouble in ALT cancers: what causes damage and how it happens
Researchers are studying why some cancer cells use ALT to lengthen telomeres and how replication stress damages telomeres, aiming to uncover key processes that could be targeted in patients.
-
IL-6 signaling, lung injury, and post-TB lung disease in TB/HIV
This grant tests how a specific immune signal (IL-6) relates to lung damage after tuberculosis in people with and without HIV, aiming to understand who is at risk for lasting lung problems.
-
IL-6 signaling and lung injury after TB and HIV co-infection
This project looks at how a common immune signal called IL-6 relates to lung injury after TB treatment, especially in people who also have HIV.
-
LEAD Africa: advancing Alzheimer’s research across Africa
A new project aims to build Alzheimer’s disease research capabilities in Africa to improve understanding and care for people with dementia.
-
Leading AD and related dementias research in Africa
A multi-country effort aims to build Africa’s capacity to study Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias using scalable, low-cost methods.
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.