How cells sense and respond to physical forces in their environment
Structural Mechanisms of Cytoskeletal Force-Sensing
This study is looking at how cells sense and react to their surroundings, which is important for understanding how they behave in both healthy and sick states, especially in diseases like cancer, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these conditions by exploring how proteins in cells communicate with each other.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10813073 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells detect and respond to mechanical signals from their surroundings, which is crucial for understanding cell behavior in health and disease. The study focuses on the molecular mechanisms that allow cells to interpret physical cues, such as the rigidity of their environment, and how these signals influence processes like growth, migration, and programmed cell death. By visualizing the interactions between proteins involved in these signaling pathways, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets, particularly for conditions like cancer where these processes often go awry.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers where cell migration and signaling are critical factors in disease progression.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular signaling or mechanical force sensing may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that more effectively target cancer by understanding and manipulating how cells respond to their mechanical environment.
How similar studies have performed: While the exploration of mechanical signaling in cells is a relatively novel area, there have been some successful studies targeting chemical signaling pathways that suggest potential for breakthroughs in this field.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Rockefeller University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alushin, Gregory M — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Alushin, Gregory M
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.