How cells connect and organize tissues
Molecular mechanisms underlying force transduction at cellular adhesion complexes
This project helps us understand how tiny connections between cells work, which is important for how our bodies develop and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175259 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of many cells that stick together to form tissues and organs, like skin or heart muscle. This research looks closely at special connections between cells called adherens junctions and tight junctions, which act like glue and barriers. We want to discover how these connections sense and respond to forces within the body, which is vital for normal development and tissue repair. By understanding these basic building blocks, we hope to learn more about conditions like birth defects, cancer, and heart disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the basic biological processes that contribute to conditions like birth defects, cancer, or heart disease.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options for their current conditions may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how tissues form and function, potentially paving the way for new ways to address diseases where cell connections go wrong.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on previous discoveries about how cell proteins respond to mechanical force, exploring new mechanisms for cell and tissue organization.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunn, Alexander R — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dunn, Alexander R
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 below.