Exploring how cells work together to form organs
Official title: Studying the cellular ecology of organ formation using a novel tissue reconstitution system
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-10686610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how skin cells work together to form organized structures, which could help us understand how our tissues grow and function better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,525,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2DE033856-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10686610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions affecting skin or connective tissues, as well as those interested in advancements in regenerative therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed organs or those not affected by tissue formation disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells, particularly fibroblasts, self-organize to create the structured forms of organs like skin. By using a novel tissue reconstitution system, the study aims to understand how physical interactions among cells and their environment contribute to tissue morphogenesis. The approach focuses on the biophysical properties of cells and how they communicate and coordinate with each other during the formation of organized structures. This could lead to new insights into how tissues develop and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of tissue formation, potentially leading to improved regenerative medicine and treatments for organ-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of studying cellular self-organization is gaining interest, this specific methodology and focus on fibroblasts in tissue morphogenesis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shyer, Amy Elizabeth — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Shyer, Amy Elizabeth
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.