# Mechanistic insights into cellular and molecular regulation of trigeminal ganglion development

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Maryland, College Park (MD) · $799,892

## Abstract

Organisms frequently rely upon cell-cell interactions to build various structures throughout their body plan. One outstanding example of this is the formation of the cranial trigeminal ganglion, a tissue that consists of neurons arising from both neural crest and placode cells. The central question of this research is to understand how trigeminal ganglion neurons coordinate, in space and time, their initial formation, and extension of axons to target tissues, to detect sensations. To address this question, an innovative, multidisciplinary approach will be taken that spans the single cell to whole embryo. Results from these experiments will shed light on processes underlying trigeminal ganglion neurodevelopment, providing immediate relevance for the identification of fundamental mechanisms controlling intercellular interactions and neuron formation during development and the maintenance of adult tissues. The research produced through this project will have broad impacts on our understanding of normal neurodevelopment, offering insight into how abnormalities underlie deficits and promoting scientific progress and national health. It will also provide preK-12 and undergraduate STEM education and teacher training activities through outreach to high school students, undergraduates, and teachers, along with giving experiential research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. As such, this project advances NSF’s priorities in Biotechnology by developing an American STEM workforce that is globally competitive in STEM education and biotechnology. 

The objective of this proposal is to uncover mechanisms by which sensory neurons of the cranial trigeminal ganglion extend axons to their target tissues using the chick as a model system. The trigeminal ganglion is generated by interactions between two key precursors, placode cells and neural crest cells, with the former differentiating into neurons before the latter. While the dual cellular origin of the trigemina

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2540444
- **Awardee organization:** University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NPU8ULVAAS23
- **PI:** Lisa A Taneyhill
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology
- **Estimated total:** $799,892
- **Funds obligated:** $799,892
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2026 → 05/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2540444

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2540444, Mechanistic insights into cellular and molecular regulation of trigeminal ganglion development. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-10 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2540444. Licensed CC0.

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