Understanding how cells communicate during animal development
Official title: Mechanisms of Cell Communication in Animal Development
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11011541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how cells talk to each other using special structures called cytonemes, which help them share important signals, and by understanding this process in fruit flies, we hope to learn more about how problems in cell communication can lead to developmental issues that might affect patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | December 19, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,982 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156377-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with developmental disorders linked to cell signaling abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to developmental processes or cell communication may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of cell-to-cell communication that are crucial for forming complex tissue patterns in animals. It focuses on a specific type of cell projection called cytonemes, which are involved in the direct delivery of signaling proteins between cells. By studying these interactions in developing tissues of fruit flies, the research aims to uncover how precise signaling influences development and can lead to anomalies if disrupted. Patients may benefit from insights gained about developmental diseases linked to cell communication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for addressing developmental anomalies and diseases caused by disrupted cell communication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding cell communication mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on cytonemes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roy, Sougata — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Roy, Sougata
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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.