Understanding how vertebrate embryos grow longer during development
Official title: Mechanics of Vertebrate Embryo Elongation
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11045071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how bird and mammal embryos grow from head to tail by examining how certain signals and cell movements work together, helping us understand how muscles and bones form during early development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,141 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113792-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of birth defects or developmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed embryos or those not at risk for birth defects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the elongation of vertebrate embryos, particularly focusing on birds and mammals. It explores how specific signaling pathways and cell movements contribute to the growth of the embryonic body from head to tail. By analyzing the paraxial mesoderm, which is crucial for forming skeletal muscles and vertebrae, the study aims to uncover how gradients of growth factors influence cell behavior and tissue dynamics. The research employs advanced 3D modeling techniques to visualize and quantify these processes in a controlled environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of developmental processes, potentially informing strategies to prevent birth defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding embryonic development through similar biophysical approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pourquie, Olivier — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Pourquie, Olivier
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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.