Understanding Spina Bifida Causes Using Human Stem Cells
Development of in vitro human spinal neural tube model to study genetic and environmental etiology of Spina Bifida.
Researchers are creating a tiny human spinal cord model from stem cells to learn how genes and environment lead to Spina Bifida.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Spina Bifida is a common birth defect where the spinal cord doesn't form correctly, and both a person's genes and their environment play a role. This project uses special human stem cells to grow a 3D model of the spinal cord in the lab. By creating a "Spinal Neural Tube-on-a-chip," we can better mimic the body's environment and see how genetic changes and harmful substances affect spinal cord development. This will help us uncover the complex reasons why Spina Bifida happens.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory work does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this research may seek individuals with Spina Bifida or those at risk.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find it through this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of Spina Bifida's causes, potentially guiding future prevention strategies or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While 3D spinal cord models exist, this project aims to develop a more advanced "Spinal Neural Tube-on-a-chip" to better mimic the body's environment, representing a novel approach building on prior work.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Sung Eun — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Kim, Sung Eun
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 below.