# WormGUIDES: A Resource for Global Understanding in Dynamic Embryonic Systems

> **NIH NIH R24** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $792,304

## Abstract

Project Summary
 A major challenge in neuroscience is to comprehend how differentiating embryonic cells fashion de novo
the working circuits and networks that make up a nervous system. We propose WormGUIDES, a resource that
would facilitate understanding the cellular origins of an entire nervous system from all angles—cell birth,
migration and differentiation; neurite formation, targeted outgrowth and bundling; and ultimately, synapse
formation and tuning of functional circuits—with single cell resolution, from conception until hatching. Building
on the innovations we established in the first funding cycle, we propose to use ShootingStar, a novel platform
for real-time cell tracking and optical manipulation to label single neurons, and isotropic high-resolution diSPIM
imaging to capture nerve bundling dynamics and single cell outgrowth in the early developing embryo when the
major architecture of the nervous system is constructed. We will also assign all nuclear identities and positions
from the first cell division until hatching. Finally, we will share the knowledge with the community through
WormGUIDES Atlas software, displaying models, supporting images and primary data. Completion of the
WormGUIDES resource will ultimately complement the existing cell lineage, adult nervous system structure,
and collective genomic and genetic data for the worm, creating a fourth pillar of systems-level knowledge that
will enhance our understanding of neurodevelopment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9930162
- **Project number:** 5R24OD016474-08
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Zhirong Bao
- **Activity code:** R24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $792,304
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2013-06-13 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9930162

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9930162, WormGUIDES: A Resource for Global Understanding in Dynamic Embryonic Systems (5R24OD016474-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9930162. Licensed CC0.

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