How lining cells keep tissues healthy under stress
Complex Cell Behaviors During Epithelial Homeostasis and Stress
Researchers are learning how cells in the linings of organs remove damaged or dangerous cells to keep tissues healthy, which may relate to cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327361 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team uses the fruit fly (Drosophila) intestine as a simple model to see how lining (epithelial) cells are removed without breaking the tissue barrier. They study a process called cell extrusion and how immune-like hemocytes and long cellular projections participate in clearing defective cells. The work combines genetics, live imaging, and molecular experiments to map the proteins and behaviors involved. Over time these lab findings aim to suggest ways to protect human epithelial tissues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant supports laboratory research and does not enroll patients; its findings would most directly apply in the future to people with epithelial disorders such as certain cancers.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments or those with conditions unrelated to epithelial tissues are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal basic mechanisms that help prevent or remove precancerous or damaged epithelial cells and guide future therapies to preserve tissue health.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies in flies, fish, and mammalian cells have documented cell extrusion and immune interactions, but converting these discoveries into human treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwon, Young — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kwon, Young
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.