Understanding how cells shape and communicate to form tissue patterns

Mechanisms of Cellular Morphogenesis that Coordinate Signaling during Tissue Patterning

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · HOWARD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11247279

This study looks at how cells in fruit flies change shape and talk to each other to form organized patterns, which is important for healthy tissue development, and it could help us understand problems that arise when these signals go wrong.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorHOWARD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11247279 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells change shape and communicate with each other to create organized patterns in tissues. By studying the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the researchers focus on specialized cellular structures called cytonemes, which help cells send signals over distances. The project aims to uncover how these structures are formed and regulated, which is crucial for proper tissue development and function. Understanding these processes could lead to insights into developmental disorders caused by signaling errors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals with developmental disorders or conditions related to tissue patterning.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular signaling or tissue development may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for addressing developmental disorders linked to improper tissue patterning.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of cytoneme regulation are not extensively studied, related research in developmental biology has shown promising results in understanding cell signaling and tissue organization.

Where this research is happening

WASHINGTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.