How cells produce and sense forces to take materials inside
Molecular mechanisms of force production and force sensing during clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Using tiny genetically encoded force sensors in yeast cells, researchers are learning how cells make and feel mechanical forces during membrane internalization, a process relevant to cancer, neuropathies, and infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11223399 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses new, small genetically encoded force sensors to measure mechanical forces on proteins inside living cells. Researchers will apply these sensors in fission yeast, a simple model that uses the same core endocytosis machinery as human cells, to watch how forces build and change as the plasma membrane forms vesicles. They combine live-cell imaging, biochemistry, and quantitative analysis to map when and where forces are applied during clathrin-mediated endocytosis. By revealing the mechanics of this process, the work aims to explain how endocytosis defects contribute to disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers, certain neuropathies, or infections that involve defects in cellular internalization processes would be the eventual beneficiaries of this research.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research conducted in yeast and not a clinical trial, patients should not expect direct treatments or immediate clinical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal mechanisms that point to new drug targets or ways to correct endocytosis defects in diseases such as cancer or neuropathies.
How similar studies have performed: Related mechanobiology and molecular force-sensor work is relatively new but has already produced promising insights that this project builds upon.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berro, Julien — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Berro, Julien
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.