# MECHANISMS OF PRIMARY MESENCHYME MORPHOGENESIS

> **NIH NIH R29** · CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY · 1993 · $131,039

## Abstract

This research program is directed at an understanding of cell-cell and
cell-substratum interactions during animal morphogenesis.  An analysis of
morphogenetic mechanisms is central to our understanding of embryonic
development.  The proposed research examines the morphogenesis of the
primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs), a population of migratory cells in the sea
urchin embryo.  These cells undergo a predictable sequence of movements
that can be directly observed in vivo and are amenable to biochemical and
immunological analysis.  The specific goals of the project are threefold:
1)To examine the mechanisms that underlie the directionality of PMC
migration, by a combination of approaches including isolation of embryonic
extracellular matrices, micromanipulation of PMCs, cell ablation by UV
microsurgery, and electron microscopy, 2)To analyze the molecular
interactions that take place between the PMCs and their substratum, the
embryonic basal lamina.  We will generate polyclonal and monoclonal
antibodies against the basal lamina and use these reagents to analyze the
spatial distribution of antigenic determinants during the period of PMC
migration.  We will also use these reagents to search for substrate
molecules that have a functional role in PMC migration, by microinjecting
the antibodies into living embryos and by testing their effects on PMCs
migrating in vitro, 3) To examine cell-cell interactions during PMC
morphogenesis.  We will use biochemical, immunological, and microsurgical
methods to elucidate the mechanism by which the PMCs prevent secondary
mesenchyme cells (SMCs) from expressing a skeletogenic phenotype.  We will
focus on the timing of events during this interaction and the nature of the
signal transmitted by the PMCs.  In addition, we will attempt to develop
and in vitro system to study the PMC-SMC interaction.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2199279
- **Project number:** 5R29HD024690-05
- **Recipient organization:** CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** U3NKNFLNQ613
- **Principal Investigator:** CHARLES A. ETTENSOHN
- **Activity code:** R29 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $131,039
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1989-09-01 → 1995-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2199279

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2199279, MECHANISMS OF PRIMARY MESENCHYME MORPHOGENESIS (5R29HD024690-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2199279. Licensed CC0.

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