Understanding how signaling proteins communicate in animal development
Official title: Genetic and biophysical analysis of morphogen gradient formation
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-10906218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain proteins help cells talk to each other during animal development, which is important for making sure tissues are organized correctly, and it could help us understand problems that arise when this communication goes wrong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $125,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K99GM151487-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with developmental disorders or conditions linked to signaling protein dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular signaling or those who are not affected by developmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how signaling proteins communicate between cells during animal development, focusing on the formation of signaling gradients that are crucial for proper tissue organization. The study examines how these proteins travel through the extracellular matrix, which is essential for cell communication and development. By analyzing the behavior of specific proteins, such as Sonic Hedgehog and Scube family proteins, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control the range of these signals in various tissues. This could lead to insights into developmental disorders caused by signaling dysregulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of developmental disorders and lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions caused by signaling disruptions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding signaling gradients and their implications in development, indicating that this approach is built on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schlissel, Gavin S — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Schlissel, Gavin S
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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.