How cells divide when squeezed in tight spaces
Mitosis in Confining Microenvironments
['FUNDING_R01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11196721
This project looks at how human cells push, grow, and change shape to divide when they are trapped inside dense tissues, with relevance for cancer and wound healing.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11196721 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow cells in three-dimensional materials that mimic dense tissues and tumors and use high-resolution imaging and engineered gels to watch division happen in real time. They will measure the mechanical forces cells generate during growth and mitotic elongation and test how varying stiffness and viscoelasticity of the surrounding matrix affects successful division. The team will probe the roles of spindle elongation and cytokinetic ring contraction in driving those pushing forces. Findings aim to reveal basic mechanical steps cells use to overcome confinement that could guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that form dense, stiff tumors or patients with chronic non-healing wounds would be most relevant to future clinical approaches informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or those with conditions unrelated to tissue mechanics are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic laboratory research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to block harmful cell division in dense tumors or to encourage cell division during wound repair by targeting the mechanical steps of division.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown single cells generate outward forces to divide in 3D, but translating these basic findings into clinical treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIM, TAEYOON — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KIM, TAEYOON
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.