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-11098154 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how animals, like mice, develop their bodies to be symmetrical and how this process can go wrong, which might help us understand conditions like scoliosis better and improve treatments for people with similar issues.
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) | $192,795 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM152811-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098154 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital abnormalities affecting body symmetry, such as scoliosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to developmental symmetry or those who have already undergone corrective procedures 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 functions. By studying wild-type mice and those with induced asymmetry, the project combines biological experiments with mathematical modeling to explore 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 congenital abnormalities like scoliosis. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of these processes, potentially leading to improved treatments for related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for congenital abnormalities related to body asymmetry.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding developmental processes and their implications for congenital defects.
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.