Understanding how organelles communicate within cells

In-situ architecture of membrane contact sites mediating organelle fission

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10472370

This study is looking at how different parts of cells talk to each other, especially in brain cells made from special stem cells, to better understand how they work together in real-time.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10472370 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the intricate communication between organelles in eukaryotic cells, focusing on the membrane contact sites that facilitate these interactions. By utilizing advanced microscopy techniques, the study aims to visualize how proteins at these contact sites organize and function in real-time within living cells. The approach involves tagging specific proteins in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that are then differentiated into neurons, allowing for precise observation of organelle interactions. This innovative methodology seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional biochemical techniques, providing new insights into cellular processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to cellular dysfunction or organelle-related diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular communication or organelle function may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of cellular communication, potentially informing treatments for diseases related to organelle dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific techniques used in this research are innovative, similar approaches in cellular imaging have shown promise in understanding organelle interactions in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.