Understanding how cells shape organs using fruit flies

Biophysical mechanisms underlying Drosophila renal tubule morphogenesis

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11019425

This study looks at how cells work together to shape organs, using fruit flies to understand how their kidneys form, and the findings could help us learn more about diseases in humans that happen when these processes go wrong.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11019425 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells create the three-dimensional shapes of organs, focusing on the developing renal system of fruit flies (Drosophila). By examining how cells interact and organize themselves during the formation of tubular structures, the research aims to uncover the fundamental rules that govern tissue architecture. The approach combines advanced visualization techniques with experimental manipulation to observe how changes in cell behavior affect organ shape. Insights gained could help explain how abnormalities in these processes may lead to human diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions related to organ development or tissue architecture abnormalities.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to organ development or those not affected by tissue architecture issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of organ development and potential strategies for addressing diseases related to tissue formation.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach using Drosophila is novel, similar studies in other model organisms have shown success in understanding tissue morphogenesis.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, 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.