Understanding how cells communicate and interact in zebrafish using synthetic receptors
Official title: Detecting cell to cell contacts in zebrafish with a synthetic receptor methodology
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10795675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how cells in zebrafish talk to and stick to each other, which is important for their growth, and they're using a new technique to see these interactions in real-time, making it easier to understand how the zebrafish's sense of smell develops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $203,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021001-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the mechanisms of cell communication and development, particularly those with conditions related to cellular function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular communication or development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on how neighboring cells in zebrafish communicate and adhere to each other, which is crucial for their development and function. The team is developing a new method to trace these cell-to-cell contacts using synthetic receptors that can be genetically encoded. By utilizing a system similar to that used in CAR T-cell therapy, they aim to visualize these interactions in real-time during the development of the zebrafish's olfactory system. This innovative approach allows for easier and more effective analysis of cell interactions compared to traditional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cellular communication, potentially leading to advancements in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using synthetic receptors for cell communication studies, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raper, Jonathan a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Raper, Jonathan a
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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.