How cells move and connect in the body
Making and breaking cell-cell contacts in development
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA · NIH-11139600
This research explores how groups of cells move and form new connections, which is important for understanding development, wound healing, and how cancer spreads.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SANTA BARBARA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11139600 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of cells that constantly move and interact, especially during development and when tissues heal. Sometimes, cells need to move together as a group, making and breaking connections with their neighbors. This process is also crucial for how cancer cells spread throughout the body. We are using fruit flies as a model to observe these cell movements in detail, uncovering the basic rules governing these complex cellular behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational biological research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could benefit patients with various cancers or wound healing challenges.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from participating in this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these fundamental cell movements could lead to new ways to prevent cancer from spreading or to improve wound healing.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified several steps and proteins involved in cell separation and connection in this fruit fly model, providing a strong foundation for this continued investigation.
Where this research is happening
SANTA BARBARA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA — SANTA BARBARA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MONTELL, DENISE J. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA
- Study coordinator: MONTELL, DENISE J.
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 below.
Conditions: Cancers