Understanding how cells communicate directionally during development
Official title: Long-range coordination of planar polarity
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11122257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells communicate and work together during development, which is important for preventing serious issues like heart defects, and it aims to understand how certain signals help cells stay organized and move in the right direction to form healthy organs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $368,273 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155344-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or related developmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed and functioning organs, or those without congenital conditions, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway, which is crucial for cells to share directional information and coordinate their movements during embryonic development. By examining how disruptions in this signaling can lead to serious developmental disorders, such as congenital heart defects, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cell behavior and communication. The study will explore the role of directional cues that help cells align their polarity over large tissue areas, which is essential for proper organ formation. Through advanced modeling and analysis, the research seeks to identify how these cues influence cellular organization and movement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential therapies for congenital heart defects and other developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell signaling pathways, making this approach a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cetera, Maureen Patricia — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Cetera, Maureen Patricia
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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.