How Tissues Move During Nervous System Development
Biomechanics of Tissue Motility
This project explores how cells and tissues move and organize themselves to form the nervous system, using a zebrafish model.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118882 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are built from cells and tissues that move and arrange themselves into complex structures, especially during the development of the nervous system. We want to understand the exact steps cells take to push themselves forward and form layers and clusters. By using advanced imaging and genetic tools in zebrafish, we can watch these movements in a living animal. This helps us learn how cells generate force and transmit it to their surroundings, which is key to proper development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but could eventually inform future studies for individuals with developmental nervous system conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from participating in this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how tissues move and organize could help us better understand and potentially address developmental nervous system defects in humans.
How similar studies have performed: While lab studies have identified a three-step mechanism for cell movement, how cells move within a living body is less clear, making this a novel approach to an existing question.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knaut, Holger — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Knaut, Holger
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.