Understanding how stem cells help in regeneration and development
Official title: Stem cell regulation during development and whole-body regeneration
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11062428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in a tiny sea creature that can turn into any type of cell, to understand how they help with healing and regeneration, which could eventually help us find new ways to treat injuries or diseases in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $410,670 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153252-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in advancements in regenerative medicine and those affected by conditions that could benefit from tissue regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve tissue damage or require regeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind pluripotent stem cells, which can develop into any cell type, and their role in regeneration. By studying a specific invertebrate, Hofstenia miamia, which retains these stem cells into adulthood, the research aims to uncover how these cells are regulated and maintained. The approach includes advanced techniques like lineage tracing and transgenesis to explore the biology of these cells in detail. This could provide insights into how similar processes might be harnessed in humans for regenerative medicine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative therapies for humans, potentially allowing for the regeneration of damaged tissues or organs.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using similar approaches with invertebrate models, indicating a promising avenue for understanding regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Srivastava, Mansi — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Srivastava, Mansi
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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.