Understanding how plants develop diverse cell types through cell division.

Cell polarity, asymmetric cell division and differentiation in plants.

NIH-funded research Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-11103272

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTexas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11103272 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include agricultural scientists, plant biologists, and farmers interested in crop development and improvement.

Not a fit: Patients with no interest or involvement in plant biology or agriculture may not receive any benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

College Station, 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 2026-06-15 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.