Understanding how cells move to form body parts and heal wounds
Morphogenesis: Biophysics and Genetics of Dorsal Closure
This research helps us understand how cells move and organize to build bodies and repair injuries, using fruit flies as a model.
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 ID | NIH-11124256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are built from sheets of cells that move and reshape themselves, a process called morphogenesis, which is vital for development and healing. When these cell movements don't work correctly, it can lead to birth defects or problems with wound repair. This project uses fruit flies to explore the tiny details of how these cell sheets close gaps, like during early development. By studying these fundamental processes in flies, we hope to uncover basic rules that apply to human development and healing too.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This basic science project does not involve direct patient participation, but its findings could eventually inform care for individuals with developmental disorders or chronic wounds.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions will not find direct benefit from participating in this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational work could lead to a deeper understanding of birth defects and wound healing problems, potentially guiding future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon established methods for studying cell sheet movement in fruit flies, a model system that has provided significant insights into fundamental biological processes.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiehart, Daniel Peter — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kiehart, Daniel Peter
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.