How cells work together to form body parts
The role of cell interactions in shaping development
This work explores how cells interact to build and shape tissues and organs, using a tiny worm to understand fundamental processes relevant to human development and diseases like cancer and birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11073049 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of many cells that must work together perfectly to form tissues and organs. This project looks at how these cell interactions guide the development of our bodies, from how cells get their unique identity to how small tubes, like blood vessels, are formed. We use a small worm, C. elegans, as a model because its development is well-understood and shares many similarities with human development. By studying these basic processes, we hope to uncover new insights into how our bodies are built and what goes wrong in conditions like birth defects and cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals affected by birth defects or cancers in the long term.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this basic understanding of cell interactions could lead to new ways to prevent or treat birth defects and certain cancers by shedding light on fundamental developmental processes.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon previous discoveries about how cell contacts induce cell polarity, extending existing knowledge in a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nance, Jeremy — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Nance, Jeremy
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.