Understanding how cells change shape and move during development and healing

Control and Implementation of a Morphogenetic Program

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · NIH-10814884

This study looks at how cells change shape and move, which is important for things like healing wounds and understanding cancer, and it uses tiny worms to learn more about the timing and control of these processes, hoping to find new ways to help with birth defects and cancer treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10814884 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the process of cellular morphogenesis, which is crucial for animal development, wound healing, and cancer progression. It focuses on how cells change shape, migrate, and fuse, driven by specific molecules known as effectors and regulators. The study aims to uncover the timing mechanisms of these morphogenetic events and how they are controlled by long non-coding RNAs and transcription factors, using a model organism, C. elegans. By exploring these cellular processes, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to advancements in treating conditions related to birth defects and cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with congenital abnormalities or cancers that may benefit from insights into cellular morphogenesis.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular morphogenesis or those who are not adults may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating birth defects and cancers by improving our understanding of cellular behavior.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular morphogenesis, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.