Federal Grant Award Summary

Baylor College of Medicine received a $601,082 Project Grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.865), awarded May 15, 2026, with completion targeted for February 28, 2031. The research focuses on elucidating the role of the mir302 family of microRNAs in regulating neural development and congenital hydrocephalus (CH), a condition characterized by ventricular enlargement and developmental timing defects. The project will deliver scientific research products including molecular mapping of microRNA-to-messenger RNA interactions, translational profiling data, and epigenetic analysis of chromatin accessibility in neural stem cells using advanced sequencing and biochemical techniques.

The funded research will generate detailed mechanistic insights into how mir302 controls post-transcriptional gene regulation and chromatin accessibility through two primary research aims: (1) defining direct microRNA:mRNA interactions and translational changes using AGO2-CHIMERIC eCLIP and ribosome sequencing methodologies, and (2) examining how distinct mir302 members modulate chromatin accessibility in dorsal midbrain cells using single-nuclei RNA+ATAC multiome analysis and polycomb occupancy assays. Collectively, these investigative products will advance understanding of microRNA-driven heterochronic regulation in neural development and provide potential insights into the etiology and pathophysiology of congenital hydrocephalus, contributing to the NICHD's mission to enhance understanding of human development and improve child health outcomes.