Understanding how cells organize during development and disease

Investigating mechanisms of tissue polarity during development and disease

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10931356

This study is looking at how certain proteins help cells work together properly during development, and it aims to understand how problems with this process can lead to serious issues like heart and spinal defects, using mice to learn more about these important cell interactions.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hershey, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931356 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms of planar cell polarity (PCP), a crucial signaling pathway that helps cells align and behave collectively during development. By studying how disruptions in PCP can lead to severe developmental defects, such as cardiomyopathies and neural tube defects, the research aims to uncover the role of specific proteins in maintaining proper cell organization. Using mouse models, the team will explore how certain proteins localize at cell borders and how these interactions are regulated during development, which could provide insights into various diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic predispositions to developmental disorders or those affected by conditions related to cell signaling disruptions.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell polarity or developmental processes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of developmental disorders and potential therapeutic targets for conditions like cardiomyopathies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell signaling pathways, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Hershey, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.