Understanding how cells get their unique identities
From intra to intercellular regulatory networks that define cell type identity
This project helps us understand how cells get their unique identities, which could lead to new ways to grow specific cells for treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of many different types of cells, each with a special job. This project aims to uncover the hidden rules that guide a cell to become a specific type, like a skin cell or a cartilage cell. We are using advanced tools to look closely at individual cells and understand the signals they send to each other. By learning how to guide cells to become certain types, we hope to develop new methods for growing healthy cells to replace damaged ones.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future applications could benefit patients with conditions requiring cell replacement or regeneration.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new regenerative medicine therapies, improved disease models, and better drug screening methods by allowing us to precisely create specific cell types.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall field of cell fate engineering is rapidly advancing, this project develops novel computational tools and theoretical methods to address current challenges in understanding cell identity.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cahan, Patrick — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cahan, Patrick
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.