Understanding how Wnt5 signaling affects blood cell formation
Official title: Dissecting the mechanisms through which Wnt5 signaling influences hematopoiesis
Funded at University of Massachusetts Boston · NIH-11043813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific signaling process affects the growth and development of blood cells, using fruit flies to help us understand how this might relate to blood disorders like leukemia, so we can learn more about how to keep blood stem cells healthy and functioning properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $457,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL177689-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with blood disorders, particularly those related to hematopoiesis, such as leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-hematological conditions or those not affected by blood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Wnt5 signaling in the development of blood cells, focusing on how it influences the balance between maintaining blood stem cells and their differentiation into various blood cell types. By using the fruit fly as a model organism, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this signaling pathway and its implications for blood disorders like leukemia. The research will explore both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways to provide insights into their functions during hematopoiesis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating blood cancers and other hematological diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding Wnt signaling pathways in other contexts, but the specific role of Wnt5 in hematopoiesis remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Girard, Juliet — University of Massachusetts Boston
- Study coordinator: Girard, Juliet
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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.