Understanding how cells communicate during organ development
Official title: Systematic Reconstruction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Communication in Organ Development
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-11144797 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two types of cells work together to help our organs grow and heal, and it aims to find new ways to use this knowledge to improve treatments for organ-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,163,081 |
| NIH project number | 4DP2HD108777-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144797 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to organ development, repair, or inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable organ function and no history of developmental or inflammatory disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between mesenchymal and epithelial cells, which are crucial for organ development and function. By exploring the diversity of these cells and their signaling mechanisms, the study aims to uncover how they influence organ formation and repair processes. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to test various signaling combinations and observe their effects on tissue development in a controlled environment. This approach could lead to new insights into how these cellular interactions can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for organ repair and regeneration, potentially benefiting patients with organ damage or diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cell communication in organ development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Pulin — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Li, Pulin
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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.