Understanding how nerve cells develop in a simple marine animal
Regulation of neurodevelopmental cell behaviors in Ciona
This research explores how nerve cells grow and move in a small marine creature called Ciona to better understand human brain development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109655 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into the genes that guide how nerve cells develop and connect in the Ciona nervous system, which is simpler than ours but shares many important features. By studying this process in Ciona, we can observe cell behaviors and developmental paths at a very detailed level. The goal is to uncover the precise genetic controls that allow nerve cells to migrate and form connections, which could offer new insights into human neurodevelopmental conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who might eventually benefit from this research are those with congenital diseases or neurodevelopmental syndromes.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention for their conditions would not receive direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide foundational knowledge for developing new therapies for congenital diseases and neurodevelopmental syndromes.
How similar studies have performed: This approach leverages the genomic and cellular simplicity of Ciona to gain high-resolution insights into processes that are conserved across chordates, offering a novel way to study these complex behaviors.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia Institute of Technology — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stolfi, Alberto — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Stolfi, Alberto
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.