A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function
NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Interspecies blastocyst complementation (IBC) holds great potential to open new avenues for neuroscience, offering a unique perspective on brain development and evolution. This technique introduces donor pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into host blastocysts lacking essential organ development genes, enabling the formation of interspecies chimeras. Such chimeras allow for the development of donor-cell-enriched organs in host organisms, a method previously applied to create various organs but not yet successful for brain tissue. Our preliminary studies have introduced a C-CRISPR-based blastocyst complementation method (CCBC), enabling the generation of rat forebrain tissue in mice for the first time. This allows us to study brain development and function from an evolutionary angle, potentially transforming brain research and providing a foundation for ethical considerations regarding the use of human PSCs in animal brains. Building on this, our proposal aims to dissect the xenogeneic barriers affecting brain development between mice and rats, explore non-cell autonomous mechanisms in rat-mouse forebrain chimeras, and attempt to create forebrain tissues from a wide rodent species, African pygmy mouse, in mice. Our objectives include: 1) Understanding Xenogeneic Barriers: Investigating the decline in rat cell contribution in chimeric mouse forebrains, potentially due to cell competition, proliferation differences, or cell adhesion incompatibility, and exploring strategies to overcome these barriers. 2) Exploring Non-Cell Autonomous Mechanisms: Examining how rat-mouse chimeras adapt brain size and developmental pace to the mouse host, using multi-omics analyses and interspecies mesenchymal blastocyst complementation to uncover the molecular and cellular basis of these effects. 3) Expanding to Wild Rodent Species: Venturing beyond common laboratory models to study the forebrains of wild rodents, such as the African pygmy mouse, to broaden our understanding of brain development. Our proposed study promises to illuminate fundamental aspects of brain organization, functionality, and evolutionary dynamics.
Grant Summary
A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function is a NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke grant providing up to $656K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2031-02-28 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Up to $656K
2031-02-28
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function from NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
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A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function?
A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function is offered by NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function provide?
A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function provides up to $656K per award from NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function deadline?
Applications for A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function are due 2031-02-28 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function?
To apply for A blastocyst complementation approach to study forebrain development, evolution and function, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.