Understanding how cells develop and organize in early fruit fly embryos
Official title: Physical principles of early Drosophila embryogenesis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11092716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny fruit fly embryos grow and develop by exploring the forces that help cells divide and form their shapes, using special tools to track important proteins involved in this process, which could help us learn more about how living things develop.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $530,824 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153490-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with developmental disorders or cancers linked to cell cycle dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cell cycle regulation or embryonic development may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the physical principles that control cell division and the formation of body structures during the early development of Drosophila embryos, commonly known as fruit flies. By examining how the cell cycle and cytoskeleton interact, the researchers aim to uncover the forces that position nuclei and generate cytoplasmic flows. They will utilize advanced biosensors to monitor key proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, providing insights into how these processes are precisely timed and coordinated. The findings could enhance our understanding of developmental biology and the mechanisms underlying cell proliferation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding developmental disorders and cancers related to cell cycle regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding cell cycle regulation and embryonic development, making this approach a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Di Talia, Stefano — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Di Talia, Stefano
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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.