Understanding how cell networks shape the developing brain in mice

Quantifying the contribution of supracellular actomyosin networks during mouse neural tube closure

NIH-funded research Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10902165

This study looks at how cells team up to create an important part of the nervous system in developing mice, focusing on the proteins that help shape these cells, and the results could help us understand what goes wrong when babies are born with certain birth defects.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-10902165 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cells work together to form the neural tube during embryonic development in mice. It focuses on the role of specific proteins that generate forces necessary for shaping tissues. By using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers aim to visualize and analyze the structure of these cellular networks at a very detailed level. The findings could help identify mechanisms that lead to congenital malformations when these processes go wrong.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of congenital malformations or those affected by related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital malformations not related to neural tube development may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of congenital malformations in humans.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding cellular mechanisms in embryonic development, making this approach promising.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, 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 2026-06-13 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.