How cells sense and respond to physical forces
Bioengineering approaches to map mechanotransduction in the living cell
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11089468
This work looks at how pushes and pulls on stem cells change DNA structure and gene activity to help improve stem cell-based treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11089468 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will apply tiny mechanical forces to living stem cells and watch the nucleus and DNA using advanced bioengineering tools and live imaging. They'll measure changes in gene activity and chemical marks on chromatin (such as H3K9me3 and H3K9ac) and track RNA polymerase activity when chromatin stretches. The team will test whether stretching helps drive stem cells to change identity and whether large strains cause telomere damage. Results aim to reveal how physical forces at the nuclear level influence cell fate and could guide safer, more predictable stem cell or cancer-related therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who can donate cells or tissue samples, or people interested in contributing to stem cell biology research, would be most relevant to this project.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate clinical treatment or direct therapeutic benefit should not expect personal benefit because this is laboratory-based basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make stem cell therapies more predictable and safer by revealing how mechanical forces control gene activity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies show mechanical forces influence stem cell behavior, but applying these findings to chromatin-level control and telomere effects is relatively new and still experimental.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, NING — NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WANG, NING
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.