How cell membranes respond to blood flow
Official title: Full Sail Ahead: How Membranes Move and Respond to Flow
Funded at Lehigh University · NIH-11073005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the outer layers of cells in your blood vessels react to blood flow, which is important for keeping your blood pressure in check and understanding heart health, especially conditions like atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lehigh University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethlehem, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $295,042 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM143320-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atherosclerosis or those with existing cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to endothelial cell function or atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how lipid membranes in cells, particularly endothelial cells in blood vessels, respond to the flow of blood. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which these membranes can move, self-heal, and interact with their environment, which is crucial for processes like blood pressure regulation and the development of atherosclerosis. The researchers will measure how proteins and lipids within these membranes are transported by blood flow and how this transport affects cellular signaling. By exploring these interactions, the study seeks to uncover the molecular details that influence cell behavior in response to mechanical forces.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular responses to mechanical forces, making this approach a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Honerkamp-Smith, Aurelia R — Lehigh University
- Study coordinator: Honerkamp-Smith, Aurelia R
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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.