Understanding how cells communicate during development and tissue maintenance
Dissecting the cell-biological foundations of developmental cell signaling in a living animal
This study looks at how special proteins help cells talk to each other during growth and in keeping our tissues healthy, using tiny worms to learn more about how these proteins work, which could help us understand diseases like cancer and improve tissue repair in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093383 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which secreted signaling proteins facilitate communication between cells during development and in maintaining adult tissues. By using the model organism C. elegans, the study aims to uncover how these proteins move and activate signaling pathways that influence cell behavior, such as migration and differentiation. The research employs advanced techniques in genome engineering and live imaging to explore these processes in a living animal, providing insights that could be relevant to human health, particularly in understanding cancers and tissue engineering.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals affected by cancers or those interested in advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell signaling or those outside the age range of 21+ years may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating cancers and improving regenerative medicine.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using C. elegans to study cell signaling mechanisms, indicating that this approach is both established and promising.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pani, Ariel Matthew — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Pani, Ariel Matthew
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 below.