How cell membranes help cells respond to their environment
Official title: Functional Roles of the Membrane Phase Transition in Cellular Physiology
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11002661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the outer layer of our cells helps them notice and react to what's happening around them, which is important for things like growing, fighting off illness, and brain health, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how problems with these processes might lead to diseases like cancer and brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $508,940 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152150-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002661 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cellular signaling defects, such as certain cancers or neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular membrane function or signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of cell membranes in how cells sense and respond to their surroundings, which is crucial for processes like cell growth, immune responses, and brain function. The study combines advanced imaging techniques and thermodynamic models to understand how the physical properties of membranes change in response to external signals. By examining these membrane behaviors, the research aims to uncover how defects in these processes can lead to diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into treating diseases caused by membrane dysfunction, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding membrane dynamics and their implications for cellular function, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veatch, Sarah L — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Veatch, Sarah L
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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.