[ICI Roster]
The Intercellular Interactions Study Section has an emphasis on how cells interact with both their environment and with neighboring cells, and how this regulates processes associated with cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and higher order complexity in tissues and development, including the synthesis of glycoproteins. ICI is also focused on how extracellular signals regulate the cytoskeleton and impact cell behavior.
Specific areas include, but are not limited to:
- Synthesis, assembly, remodeling and glycosylation of extracellular matrix, and the role of carbohydrates in cell-cell adhesive structures
- Cell surface adhesive structures in relation to the cytoskeleton, cell polarity and cell proliferation, differentiation and survival
- Regulation of assembly and function of channels, transporters and gap junctions
- The flow of extracellular signals between distinct cells types, cell populations and ECM
- Cell migration, cell-cell fusion, cell organization and morphogenesis as related to tissue organization and development
- Crosstalk between adhesion receptors and other signaling pathways and regulated proteolysis at the cell surface
The ICI Study Section has the following shared interests within the CB IRG:
With the CSRS Study Section: Cell differentiation, transformation and polarity are shared areas of interest. Applications focused on regulation of these processes by the extracellular matrix or cell-cell signaling or those related to morphogenesis could be reviewed by ICI. Those focused on intracellular signaling networks and pathways related to these processes could be reviewed by CSRS.
With the MBPP Study Section: Glycobiology is an area of shared interest. ICI is a primary home for glycobiology applications, with MBPP providing a secondary home. Applications focused on intracellular glycosylation processes involving trafficking along the secretory pathway could be reviewed by MBPP. Those focused on cell surface and cell adhesion related glycosylation processes could be reviewed by ICI.
With the CSF Study Section: The extracellular matrix interactions, cell motility, and cell adhesion are shared areas of interest. Applications with a focus on cell migration, fusion or morphogenesis as related to tissue organization and development could be reviewed by ICI. Those with a focus on the role of cytoskeletal components on these processes could be reviewed in CSF.
With the MIST Study Section: Receptor signal transduction mechanisms are an area of shared interest. Applications focused on crosstalk by adhesion receptors and other signaling pathways could be reviewed in ICI. Those focused on general molecular and biochemical aspects of signal transduction pathways could be reviewed in MIST
The ICI study section has the following shared interests outside the CB IRG:
With the Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies [BST] IRG: Shared areas of interest are cell adhesion, differentiation, growth and migration. If the focus is on the development of new technologies, matrices or scaffolds to model these processes, the assignment could be to BST. If the focus is the use of new technologies, matrices or scaffolds to provide insights into these cellular processes, the assignment could be to ICI. An additional shared area of interest is microscopic imaging. The development of new imaging technologies could be assigned to BST. The use of new imaging technologies to answer questions related to intercellular processes could be assigned to ICI. An application that combines bioengineering and cell biology could be assigned according to the focus of the research.
With the Biological Chemistry and Macromolecular Biophysics [BCMB] IRG: Shared areas of interest include glycobiology. High-resolution structural, biophysical or synthetic studies could be assigned to BCMB. Functional studies of glycosylation in cell adhesion, cell surface receptors and the extracellular matrix could be assigned to ICI.
With the Biology of Development and Aging [BDA] IRG: Shared areas of interest are cell differentiation, proliferation and morphogenesis as related to tissue organization and development are shared interests. If the focus is the morphogenetic pathways associated with organogenesis or gamete development, assignment could be to BDA. If the focus is the study of fundamental cellular processes associated with organization, proliferation, morphogenesis or differentiation, assignment could be to ICI.
With the Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS] IRG: Shared areas of interest include the extracellular matrix, intercellular communication, receptor biology and cell differentiation. If the focus is on the physiology of the cardiovascular system, the assignment could be to CVS. If the focus is on its use as a model system to understand basic cell biological processes, assignment could be to ICI.
With the Digestive Sciences [DIG] and Respiratory Sciences [RES] IRGs: Shared areas of interest are cell adhesion, cell-cell interactions, cell differentiation and cell migration. If the focus is on the physiology of the digestive system, assignment could be to DIG. If the focus is its use as model system to understand basic cell biological processes, the assignment could be to ICI.
With the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurosciences [MDCN] IRG: Shared areas of interest are cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules in cell recognition and function. If the focus is on the physiology of the nervous system, the assignment could be to MDCN. If the focus its use as a model system to elucidate basic intercellular processes and mechanisms, assignment could be to ICI.
With the Musculoskeletal, Oral and Skin Sciences [MOSS]: Shared areas of interest are the extracellular matrix, cell matrix interactions, extracellular matrix: cell matrix interaction and signaling. If the focus is on the physiology of the musculoskeletal, oral or skin, assignment could be to MOSS. If the focus is its use as model system to understand basic cell biological processes, the assignment could be to ICI.
With the Oncological Sciences [ONC] IRG: Shared areas of interest are cell adhesion, cell-cell interactions, extracellular matrix, gap junctions, adherens, and tight junctions. If the focus is on cancer biology, the assignment could be to ONC. If the focus is the elucidation of basic intercellular processes and mechanisms, assignment could be to ICI.