Understanding how tissues split and join during development
Official title: Physical, cellular, and molecular control of tissue fission and fusion
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10931505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells in zebrafish work together to form organs during development, which could help us understand and prevent birth defects caused by problems in tissue growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $106,068 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HD112594-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by congenital birth defects or those with a family history of such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acquired conditions unrelated to congenital abnormalities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the processes of tissue fission and fusion, which are crucial for forming functional organs during embryonic development. By studying zebrafish, the researchers aim to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate these processes, particularly focusing on how cells generate force and interact with their environment. The study employs advanced biophysical measurements and innovative protein depletion techniques to explore how cells adhere to each other and to their surroundings during tissue remodeling. This research could provide insights into congenital birth defects linked to abnormal tissue development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for congenital birth defects such as cleft palate and other syndromes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using zebrafish models to study developmental processes, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qian, Weiyi — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Qian, Weiyi
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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.