Understanding how mechanical forces shape tissue development during embryo formation
Official title: Mechanical coordination and mechano-biochemical feedback in epithelial folding
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11011836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny tissues in developing embryos, like those in fruit flies, fold and shape themselves, which could help us understand how our bodies form and why some birth defects happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,841 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156319-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of birth defects or those interested in the biological mechanisms underlying tissue development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to embryonic development or tissue morphogenesis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanical and biochemical processes that drive the folding of epithelial tissues during embryonic development. By studying the model organism Drosophila, the research aims to uncover how cellular forces and tissue properties interact to facilitate the formation of body structures. The approach combines experimental techniques to observe tissue behavior and analyze the feedback mechanisms that regulate these processes. This could provide insights into the fundamental principles of tissue development and potential implications for understanding birth defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating birth defects related to tissue development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding mechanical properties in tissue development, but this specific approach focusing on epithelial folding is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Bing — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: He, Bing
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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.