Understanding how signals shape embryonic development and prevent birth defects
Official title: Spatiotemporal Regulation of Developmental Pattern Formation
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11001488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny sea urchin larvae grow and develop their skeletons by exploring the signals that guide their development, with the hope that understanding these processes can help prevent birth defects in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $371,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152180-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of congenital abnormalities or those interested in developmental biology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed congenital conditions that do not involve ongoing developmental processes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex processes that guide embryonic development and the formation of body structures, particularly focusing on how different signals interact over time and space. Using sea urchin larvae as a model, the study aims to create a detailed model of how these signals influence the development of the skeleton. By employing advanced computational modeling and systems biology approaches, the research seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these processes, which could lead to better understanding and prevention of birth defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing birth defects and enhancing developmental health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding developmental processes through similar modeling approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradham, Cynthia a — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Bradham, Cynthia a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How Arousal Changes How We See the World
This grant studies how moments of alertness or mood changes alter how the brain processes what we see.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Ultra-High Density wearable brain monitoring in real life
Aims to make advanced wearable brain sensors that work in daily life to track brain activity alongside movement, perception, and communication.
-
A new method to image brain activity noninvasively using speckle contrast spectroscopy
A new, noninvasive imaging technique called speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) could help measure brain blood flow in people, including those with brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
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.