DNA nanodevices to control cell movement
Official title: Mechanical Modulation of Cell Migrations by DNA Nanoassemblies
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-11309608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Tiny DNA-built springs are used to change how cells move, aiming to help people with diseases where cell movement is abnormal, such as some autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $339,095 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA252827-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with conditions linked to abnormal cell migration or adhesion, like some autoimmune diseases, would be the most relevant patient group for future translation of this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients needing immediate clinical treatments or whose illness is unrelated to cell migration mechanics are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
What this research studies
This project builds tiny DNA origami 'nanosprings' that can push or pull on cell surface receptors involved in movement. The team will measure the springs' stiffness with optical tweezers and read their stretch using fluorescent dye pairs (FRET) to estimate forces at the nanoscale. They will place these nanosprings at cell membranes to alter clustering of integrin receptors and observe how that changes cell migration. Results come from laboratory experiments on cells using these engineered DNA assemblies to probe and modify mechanical signals that guide cell motion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could open new ways to control harmful cell movement in diseases such as certain autoimmune disorders or cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Related nanoscale force-sensing techniques exist, but using DNA nanosprings to actively control integrin clustering and cell migration is largely novel and untested in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Hanbin — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Mao, Hanbin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.