How cells sense forces during brain and spinal cord development
Mechanisms of mechanotransduction during neural tube morphogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11121814
This research aims to understand how cells sense and respond to physical forces during the development of the brain and spinal cord, which could help prevent birth defects.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11121814 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores how cells in a developing embryo sense and react to physical forces, a process called mechanotransduction. We know that problems with these forces can lead to serious birth defects like neural tube defects, heart problems, and hereditary deafness. This project focuses on a specific signaling pathway involving a protein called Ptk7, which helps cells organize themselves correctly during the formation of the brain and spinal cord. By studying how Ptk7 controls these cellular movements and forces, we hope to uncover the basic mechanisms that prevent these developmental issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this work may seek individuals affected by neural tube defects, heart defects, or hereditary deafness.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by birth defects related to early embryonic development, such as neural tube defects, heart defects, or hereditary deafness, would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these fundamental processes could lead to new ways to prevent or treat birth defects like neural tube defects, heart defects, and hereditary deafness.
How similar studies have performed: The Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway, a related mechanism, has been implicated in similar processes, suggesting a foundation for this novel investigation into the Ptk7 pathway.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LU, XIAOWEI — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: LU, XIAOWEI
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.