Understanding how cell numbers are regulated in epithelial tissues
Official title: Regulation of Overall Cell Numbers During Epithelial Tissue Homeostasis and Pathogenesis
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11049158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our bodies replace unhealthy cells in certain tissues, using zebrafish to understand the process better, and it aims to find ways to help keep our cells healthy and balanced.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $379,080 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM149226-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049158 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing conditions that affect epithelial tissues, such as cancer patients or those with age-related tissue degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-epithelial tissue conditions or those not experiencing issues with cell turnover may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that control cell turnover in epithelial tissues, which is crucial for maintaining their structure and function. It focuses on how the elimination of unhealthy cells can stimulate nearby stem cells to proliferate and replace them, thereby maintaining overall cell numbers. Using zebrafish as a model organism, the study examines the cellular and molecular processes involved in this regulation, particularly the role of mechanical properties and specific signaling molecules. The findings could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy cell replacement or preventing excessive cell growth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for conditions related to abnormal cell turnover, such as cancer or age-related tissue degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cell turnover mechanisms, but this specific approach using zebrafish is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenhoffer, George Thomas — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Eisenhoffer, George Thomas
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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.