Using human brain organoids to study the effects of radiation on brain tissue and find ways to reduce damage.
Official title: Human brain organoids as a novel platform for evaluating effects of radiation in the CNS and screening for radiation mitigators
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11043329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how radiation therapy impacts healthy brain tissue using a special 3D model of the brain, and it aims to find ways to reduce any damage caused by the treatment for patients receiving radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA289852-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have undergone or are scheduled to undergo radiation therapy for brain tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received radiation therapy or those with conditions unrelated to brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how radiation therapy affects normal brain tissue using a novel 3D brain organoid model that mimics the human brain environment. By exposing these organoids to radiation, the researchers aim to observe the resulting physiological changes and neuroinflammation. Additionally, the study will explore potential agents that could mitigate the harmful effects of radiation on brain tissue. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of radiation-induced brain injury and the development of strategies to protect patients undergoing treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that minimize cognitive impairment and neurological damage in patients receiving radiation therapy for brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using organoid models to study various neurological conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Ling — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: He, Ling
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.