Understanding how cells establish their orientation during development
Official title: Symmetry Breaking in Cell Assemblies
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11089291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how cells in developing organisms, like the tiny worm C. elegans, learn to organize themselves properly, which is important for growth, by observing how they break symmetry and work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | May 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,040 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM154397-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with genetic conditions related to cell adhesion and polarity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular development or polarity may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individual cells in multicellular organisms establish their polarity, which is crucial for proper development. Using the C. elegans embryo as a model, the research aims to identify patterns of symmetry breaking events that lead to coordinated cell polarization. The approach involves imaging and analyzing molecular assemblies that contribute to this process, focusing on how these events are interconnected across tissues. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to shed light on the fundamental processes that guide cell behavior during development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of developmental processes and potentially inform treatments for birth defects and other developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding cell polarity and symmetry breaking in model organisms, indicating that this approach has a solid foundation in existing scientific knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Devitt, Caitlin C — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Devitt, Caitlin C
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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.