Understanding how cell interactions affect tissue development and disorders

Cadherin regulation of planar polarity

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10907551

This study looks at how cells talk to each other during human development, especially focusing on a process important for forming organs and tissues, and it aims to understand how problems with this process can lead to heart and spinal issues, using mice to learn more about potential treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hershey, United States)
Project IDNIH-10907551 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cells communicate and interact during human development, focusing on a process called planar cell polarity (PCP) that is crucial for proper organ formation and tissue patterning. By studying a specific protein, Celsr1, and its role in organizing cell junctions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind developmental disorders like cardiomyopathies and neural tube defects. The approach involves using mouse models to observe how disruptions in PCP lead to these conditions, providing insights that could inform future treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital cardiac defects or other developmental disorders linked to cell communication issues.

Not a fit: Patients with unrelated health conditions or those who do not have genetic or developmental disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating serious developmental disorders in humans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding cell signaling pathways like PCP can lead to significant advancements in treating developmental disorders, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.

Where this research is happening

Hershey, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.