# Regulation of dynamic actin networks during epithelial morphogenesis

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2024 · $54,414

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Embryonic development requires the dynamic remodeling of epithelial sheets as the embryo
transforms itself during morphogenesis. Embryonic epithelia are hybrid tissues: they must
maintain their integrity as mechanically integrated cell sheets, connected by cell-cell junctions,
yet their cells must also retain the ability to dynamically change shape and position. The actin
cytoskeleton is central to these activities; cells must link actomyosin networks dynamically to the
cell surface via junctional complexes, and they must dynamically polymerize actin networks
during cell shape changes and cell migratory events. Our goal is to understand the dynamics of
actin networks during rapid cell shape change and during directed cell rearrangement in
embryos. Our goal is a multidisciplinary, integrated analysis of morphogenetic movements in
embryos that unites detailed structural analysis, single-molecule biophysics, genetics, and
dynamic in vivo analysis, in an "Angstroms to embryos" approach to morphogenesis. Upgrading
our ability to image nucleic and protein gels using modern USB3-based and more sensitive
cameras controlled by computers that adhere to modern security standards will allow us to
generate more sensitive and reproducible molecular analyses relevant to all aims of the parent
award, including quantitative assessment of protein-protein interactions between proteins that
are part of a network of mechanosensitive proteins that acts to stabilize junctional actin
networks during rapid morphogenetic changes in embryos.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11098156
- **Project number:** 3R35GM145312-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** Jeffrey D Hardin
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $54,414
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-05-13 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11098156

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11098156, Regulation of dynamic actin networks during epithelial morphogenesis (3R35GM145312-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11098156. Licensed CC0.

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