# Novel approaches to study the intersection of cellular heterogeneity and tissue microanatomy

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2020 · $220,625

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
“Novel approaches to study the intersection of cellular heterogeneity and tissue microanatomy”
Positioning of cells in tissues is intimately linked to major cellular- and organ-level processes. Appropriate
localization promotes exposure of cells to specific microenvironments and stimuli that define their
differentiation states and functions. Cellular positioning also determines local tissue microanatomy, as well as
the global macro-architecture, allowing for proper organ function and physiology. Thus, understanding the links
among cellular positioning, heterogeneity and global tissue architecture are critical for biomedical research.
However, current tools for understanding such relationships are limiting. Here, we will develop novel
approaches to study cells using currently existing high-content tools, but importantly while also retaining
information on the precise positioning of cells within tissues (Aim 1). This will allow us to interrogate how
cellular heterogeneity and function is influenced by the exposure to distinct tissue microenvironments and
localized stimuli. Further, we will generate novel computational approaches to understand how cellular
positioning defines global tissue architecture (Aim 2). For this, we will develop a robust analytical methodology
based on machine learning algorithms to study how complex patterns of cellular spatial positioning influences
tissue organization and structure. These approaches will be broadly applicable across diverse disciplines of
biology for both murine and human (or other species) studies, and will be highly pertinent in clinical settings,
such as for cancer diagnostics. In summary, the proposed studies are significant, as they will provide a new
toolbox for studying cellular and organ physiology based on cellular tissue positioning, as well as will lead to
the development of new diagnostic tools for clinical medicine.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9873919
- **Project number:** 5R21AI142667-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael Gerner
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $220,625
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-18 → 2022-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9873919

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9873919, Novel approaches to study the intersection of cellular heterogeneity and tissue microanatomy (5R21AI142667-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9873919. Licensed CC0.

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