What controls maturation of human stem cell–derived brain cells
Cell Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Driving Maturation in Human PSC-derived Neurons
Researchers are learning why human stem cell–derived neurons and glia stay immature and how to help them become more adult-like for better disease models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160812 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses human embryonic and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to grow neurons and glial cells in dishes and 3D organoids. The team measures how and when these cells mature using new lab tests and compares maturation in different culture systems and after transplant into mouse brains. They aim to identify cell-intrinsic timing mechanisms that keep cells fetal-like and test ways to override those clocks. The goal is to produce cells that more closely resemble adult human brain cells for research and future therapy development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults willing to donate blood or skin samples so researchers can create patient-derived stem cell lines representing neurological conditions.
Not a fit: This is laboratory research rather than a treatment trial, so people seeking immediate medical therapy are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make lab-grown human brain cells more adult-like, improving disease models and speeding development of new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have made many types of human brain cells in dishes, but producing fully adult-like maturation remains a known challenge and an active area of research.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Studer, Lorenz P. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Studer, Lorenz P.
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.