Understanding how tissue layers shape organs
Official title: Decoding the mechanical interactions between tissue layers sculpting organ shape
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11070384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the different layers of tissue in the heart and other organs work together to shape them, using fruit flies to understand how genes and physical forces affect organ development, so we can learn more about how our organs form and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $230,015 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD110675-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart defects or other organ shape-related birth defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed organs and no history of congenital malformations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the mechanical interactions between different layers of tissue influence the shape of organs, particularly focusing on the heart and its development. By using the D. melanogaster midgut as a model, the study aims to connect genetic signals, specifically hox gene expression, to the physical forces that drive the 3D changes in organ shape. Advanced imaging techniques will allow researchers to visualize these processes in real-time, providing insights into how tissue dynamics contribute to organ formation and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for birth defects related to organ shape malformations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in linking genetic factors to organ development, but this specific approach focusing on mechanical interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Noah Prentice — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Noah Prentice
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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.