Understanding how vertebrates maintain left-right body symmetry during development
Official title: Dynamical maintenance of left-right symmetry during vertebrate development
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-10918258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how animals, like mice, grow and keep their bodies balanced on both sides, which is important for staying healthy, and it hopes to find out how certain substances in the body help with this process, which could help us understand conditions like scoliosis better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,313 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM152811-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918258 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital defects or abnormalities related to body symmetry, particularly those affecting the spine or rib cage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any congenital abnormalities or those who do not have conditions related to body symmetry may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how vertebrates develop and maintain left-right symmetry, which is crucial for proper bodily function. By studying wild-type mice and those with induced asymmetry, the project combines biological experiments with mathematical modeling to understand the role of retinoic acid in somite formation. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms that ensure symmetrical development, which could lead to insights into conditions like scoliosis that arise from symmetry loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating congenital abnormalities related to body asymmetry.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding developmental mechanisms related to symmetry, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Touboul, Jonathan David — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Touboul, Jonathan David
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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.