Understanding the protective layers that coat cells in the body
Building and shaping the apical extracellular matrix
This study is looking at special protective layers on cells called apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) to see how they are made and work in living worms, which could help us understand their role in diseases and find new treatments for conditions related to these layers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates apical extracellular matrices (aECMs), which are protective layers on cell surfaces that play crucial roles in maintaining cell integrity and responding to environmental stresses. By using the model organism C. elegans, the study aims to visualize and understand how these matrices are formed and function in live animals. The research employs advanced imaging techniques to observe the behavior of aECM components and their interactions, which could shed light on their roles in various diseases. Insights gained from this research may help in developing new therapeutic strategies for conditions linked to aECM defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions related to defects in extracellular matrices, such as deafness or lung disease.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to extracellular matrix defects may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for diseases such as deafness, lung disease, and vascular disorders by enhancing our understanding of aECMs.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using model organisms like C. elegans to study complex biological systems, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sundaram, Meera — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Sundaram, Meera
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 below.