# MicroRNA regulation of neural crest differentiation

> **NIH NIH R01** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2021 · $553,929

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT
The goal of this project is to define the molecular mechanisms governing neural crest development. Neural crest cells
(NCC) are a highly migratory and multipotent cell population that gives rise to an incredible diversity of
differentiated cell types. During mammalian development, NCCs are induced from pluripotent ectoderm at the
lateral margins of the developing neural plate. The molecular mechanisms regulating mammalian neural crest
induction are poorly understood. In this project, we focus on a highly expressed microRNA family in
pluripotency, miR-302, which plays a critical role during mammalian neural crest induction. Using genetic loss-
of-function mouse and human models, we find that miR-302 is required to prevent precocious neural crest
specification. Additionally, we present data suggesting that miR-302 regulates the timing of neural crest
development by targeting and repressing several novel factors. This project will provide insight into the earliest
stages of mammalian neural crest development and shed light on the developmental relationship between
ectodermal pluripotency and neural crest multipotency.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10165772
- **Project number:** 5R01HD099252-03
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Ronald J Parchem
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $553,929
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10165772

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10165772, MicroRNA regulation of neural crest differentiation (5R01HD099252-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10165772. Licensed CC0.

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