Understanding how stem cells behave in fern gametophytes
Official title: A bio-math approach to elucidate stem cell dynamics in Ceratopteris gametophytes
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11043524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how stem cells in a type of fern grow and form tissues, using special imaging techniques to watch the changes over time, which could help us understand similar processes in both plants and animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,686 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM157611-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell growth or development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cell dynamics or developmental processes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of stem cell behavior in Ceratopteris gametophytes, a type of fern. By combining experimental techniques with predictive mathematical modeling, the project aims to uncover how cells grow and develop into tissues. The researchers will use non-invasive imaging to track cell changes over time and analyze the interactions that lead to tissue formation. This approach could provide insights into cell division and growth that are relevant to both plants and animals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of developmental processes and lead to advancements in regenerative medicine and treatments for growth-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using Ceratopteris gametophytes is novel, similar interdisciplinary methods have shown promise in understanding cell dynamics in other organisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Volkening, Alexandria — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Volkening, Alexandria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Meltblown scaffolds to help irreparable rotator cuff tears
A new 3-D biomaterial scaffold made from meltblown technology aims to improve interposition grafts for people with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
-
Targeting how RMS cells fail to mature to slow or stop pediatric muscle cancer spread
A project to understand why a pediatric muscle cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma spreads, and to test ideas that could slow or stop it by helping cancer cells mature properly.
-
Risk stratification of malaria in school-age children using mobile eye-based spectroscopy
A low-cost, phone-based method uses pictures of the inner eyelid to identify which children in high-risk areas should get malaria tests.
-
Dual-AAV gene replacement approach for SCN2A-related neurodevelopmental disorders
A gene therapy approach using two AAV vectors to restore SCN2A function in children with SCN2A-related neurodevelopmental disorders.
-
Personalized use of newer diabetes medicines for Type 2 diabetes
Aiming to tailor use of newer glucose-lowering drugs for people with type 2 diabetes to improve health and access in real-world settings.
-
Intelligent social risk management for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias
Aimed at people living with dementia, this project uses AI and real-world health data to identify and address social factors that affect their care and quality of life.
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.