How cells move toward firmer tissue using focal adhesions
Predictive multi-scale model of focal adhesion-based durotaxis
This project builds a computer model to show how cells sense tissue stiffness and move toward firmer areas, which matters for development and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11253287 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create a multi-scale mathematical model that links tiny structures called focal adhesions to whole-cell movement. They will combine existing laboratory findings about actin, integrins, and adhesion proteins with computational simulations to reproduce the spatial "footprint" patterns seen at adhesion sites. The model will connect local mechanosensing at adhesions to the cell edge's protrusion and retraction dynamics. The goal is to predict when and how cells move toward stiffer environments, a process important in embryo development and tumor spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers where tumor cell movement and metastasis are a concern who might consider contributing tissue samples or joining related future studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate therapy or those without conditions involving cell migration are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic modeling project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify how cancer cells spread and point to new strategies to block or slow metastasis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous molecular-clutch and cell-migration models explained some behaviors but did not capture focal-adhesion "footprint" patterns or coordination with cell-edge dynamics, so this is a novel, more comprehensive modeling effort.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Jian — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Jian
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.