How cells move through 3D environments
Official title: Physical mechanisms of 3D cell motility
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11011774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how cells move through the 3D structures around them, which is important for healing wounds and understanding cancer spread, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat diseases where cell movement goes wrong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $389,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156335-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell migration, such as cancer or chronic wounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cell motility or those not experiencing issues with cell migration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells navigate through three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices, which are crucial for processes like wound healing and cancer metastasis. By examining how the structure of these matrices influences cell movement, the study aims to uncover the role of actomyosin contractility and water influx in cell migration. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for controlling cell movement in various diseases. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve treatments for conditions involving abnormal cell migration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that better control cell migration in diseases like cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cell migration in 3D environments, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrie, Ryan — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Petrie, Ryan
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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.