How cells move through 3‑D tissues
Physical mechanisms of 3D cell motility
This work looks at how human cells—like cancer cells and wound‑healing cells—push, pull, and use water to move through three‑dimensional tissues.
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 ID | NIH-11262813 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow human cells in laboratory 3‑D gels that mimic real tissues and watch how they move under high‑resolution microscopes. They will change the gel structure and stiffness, measure forces from the cell’s actomyosin machinery, and track how the bulky nucleus is pushed or pulled during movement. The team will also test how water flow into cells helps create pressure that drives different types of cell protrusions. The goal is to build a clear picture of when cells use low‑pressure versus high‑pressure movement strategies in 3‑D environments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metastatic solid tumors or chronic wounds could be relevant for future sample donation or follow‑on clinical studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell migration (for example many genetic blood disorders or psychiatric conditions) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this lab‑based project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to block cancer invasion or help promote faster, more effective wound healing by targeting how cells move.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown roles for actomyosin and integrins in cell movement, but combining ECM structure, nuclear mechanics, and water influx in 3‑D is a newer and less tested area.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrie, Ryan — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Petrie, Ryan
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.