How Cells Sense Their Environment and Communicate Using Calcium Signals
Mechanisms and Functions of Unconventional Intercellular Calcium Waves in Electrically Non-excitable Cells
This research looks at how cells respond to their surroundings and send signals using calcium, which is important for many body functions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103271 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' cells constantly sense and react to the physical world around them, a process called mechanotransduction, which is vital for normal cell function. When this sensing goes wrong, it can contribute to various health problems. Researchers recently found that certain cells can send long-distance calcium signals to each other, especially when they are in soft environments, like many tissues in the body. This project aims to understand how these calcium signals are started and spread, and how they connect the cell's environment to its internal workings. We believe that the cell's internal 'muscle' system, called actomyosin, plays a key role in promoting these signals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational biological research does not involve direct patient participation at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or clinical trial opportunities would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these basic cell communication mechanisms could lead to new ways to address diseases where cell sensing is disrupted.
How similar studies have performed: The discovery of these specific long-distance calcium waves in non-excitable cells in soft environments is a novel finding that this project aims to systematically explore.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Xin — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Tang, Xin
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.