Tissue Formation and Organogenesis – TFO
NOTE: Starts with the October 2026 Council round submission dates (Cycle I due dates). This study section was evaluated as part of CSR’s ENQUIRE process to align study sections with advances in science. Learn more about ENQUIRE.
The Tissue Formation and Organogenesis Study Section focuses on cellular, molecular, and morphogenetic mechanisms that contribute to tissue and organ formation in the developing embryo. Studies of the cellular and molecular basis underlying the formation of germ-layers, gastrulation, organization of cells into tissues, cell-cell communication, adhesion, migration, impact of cellular and subcellular processes on development, force generation, and the developmental basis for birth defects are appropriate. A major emphasis is on the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, lymphatic, respiratory, integumentary, and urogenital systems. Studies utilize varied experimental systems including both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms and ex vivo models.
Review Dates
A roster for the panel will be posted here, at least 30 days prior to the review meeting
Topics
- Embryonic events such as cell migration, gastrulation, formation of germ layers, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell intercalation that contribute to tissue formation and organogenesis.
- Epigenetics, gene regulation, signaling, and other cellular processes involved in embryonic tissue and organ formation.
- Control of developmental processes underlying tissue morphology including the cytoskeleton, membrane trafficking, organelles, extracellular matrix, cell-cell communication and signaling.
- Understanding how control of cell cycle, polarity, growth, metabolism, and programmed cell death shape developing tissues.
- Physical and mechanical influences on tissue and organ morphogenesis such as cell migration, tube formation, and branching.
- Systems biology approaches in characterizing regulatory networks in organogenesis.
- Application of ex vivo experimental systems including explants, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip models to study development and disease.
- Basic developmental processes that contribute to tissue homeostasis, disease, and organ regeneration.
Shared Interests and Overlaps
There are shared interests with Cell Fate, Stem Cells, and Regeneration (CFSR) in embryonic development processes. Applications that focus on cellular events involved in tissue formation and organogenesis during development may be reviewed in TFO. Applications focused on specification and differentiation of cell types during early stages of embryogenesis are reviewed in CFSR.
There are shared interests with Cellular Signaling and Regulatory Systems (CSRS) in basic cellular processes (cell proliferation, cell metabolism, cell growth, programmed cell death). Applications that focus on understanding the fundamental biology of these processes may be reviewed in CSRS. Applications that focus on understanding the role of these processes in developing tissues and organ development may be reviewed in TFO.
There are shared interests with Cell Structure and Fucntion-1 (CSF1) in cellular communication, cell migration, extracellular matrix, and mechanotransduction. Applications focused on understudying basic biology of these processes may be reviewed in CSF1, and application studying these processes in tissue and organ morphogenesis may be reviewed in TFO.
There are shared interests with Gametogenesis and Development of Reproductive Systems (GDRS) in the cellular mechanisms of embryonic development. Applications that focus on embryo development through blastulation and pre-implantation may be reviewed by GDRS. Applications focused on embryo development, gastrulation, and somatic stem cell biology in a developmental context may be reviewed by TFO.
There are shared interests with Pulmonary Injury Remodeling and Repair (PIRR). Applications focused on studying lung development and regeneration may be reviewed in TFO. Applications focused on lung maturation and remodeling in response to injury may be reviewed in PIRR.
There are shared interests with Nervous System Development and Repair (NSDR) in nervous system development. Applications that focus on embryonic events leading to brain development may be reviewed in TFO. Applications that focus on mechanisms of neurogenesis and gliogenesis in normal development of nervous system will be reviewed in NSDR.
There are shared interests with Basic Biology of Blood, Heart and Vasculature (BBHV) in cardiovascular development. Applications that focus on cardiac, vascular and lymphatic development during embryogenesis are reviewed in TFO. Applications that focus on biology of cardiac and vascular cells and angiogenesis may be reviewed in BBHV.
There are shared interests with Pathobiology of Kidney Disease (PBKD). Applications that focus on the ciliary structures in polycystic kidney disease may be reviewed in PBKD. Applications studying ciliary structure and function in kidney development are reviewed in TFO.
There are shared interests with Kidney and Urological Systems Function and Dysfunction (KUFD) in development of kidney and genitourinary tract.
There are shared interests with Hepatobiliary Pathophysiology (HBPP) in liver development.
