Understanding how plants develop diverse cell types through cell division.
Official title: Cell polarity, asymmetric cell division and differentiation in plants.
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-11103272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how plants, like Arabidopsis, create different types of cells from a small number of starting cells, focusing on a special way they divide that helps them grow and develop important features like tiny openings for breathing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $414,788 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM131827-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include agricultural scientists, plant biologists, and farmers interested in crop development and improvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest or involvement in plant biology or agriculture may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which plants, specifically the model organism Arabidopsis, generate various cell types from a limited number of progenitor cells. It focuses on asymmetric cell division (ACD), a process where progenitor cells divide in a way that allows for both self-renewal and the creation of new cell types. The study aims to uncover the principles of cell polarization and how it influences cell division and differentiation, particularly in the development of stomata, which are essential for plant gas exchange.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of plant development and improve agricultural practices by informing strategies for crop improvement.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding cell division and differentiation in plants, making this approach a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Juan — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Dong, Juan
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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.