Understanding how syncytial cells function and communicate
Official title: Organization of Syncytial Cells
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11011580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells with multiple nuclei, called syncytial cells, to learn how they work and how their structure might be linked to health and diseases, which could help us understand more about conditions like muscle disorders and tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $499,145 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156800-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions related to syncytial cells, such as specific types of cancer or muscle diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to syncytial cell biology may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates syncytial cells, which are unique cells containing multiple nuclei within a shared cytoplasm. These cells are found in various biological contexts, including human tissues like muscle and tumors, as well as in plants and fungi. The study aims to uncover how these cells organize their nuclei and how this organization affects their functions, potentially revealing new insights into cell biology and disease mechanisms. By exploring the spatial organization and signaling within these cells, the research seeks to understand their complex behaviors and roles in health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving syncytial cells, such as certain cancers and muscle disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of syncytial cells is a growing field, this specific approach to understanding their organization and function is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gladfelter, Amy S — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Gladfelter, Amy 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.