How cells stick together and respond to forces in their environment
Official title: Epithelial cell-cell junction remodeling in response to cell- and tissue-scale forces
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11051225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how cells in developing frog embryos stick together and change their connections when they experience different forces, helping us understand how tissues stay strong and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $376,558 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153204-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051225 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect epithelial tissues, such as certain cancers or disorders that impact cell adhesion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to epithelial cell function or those who do not have any epithelial tissue disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how epithelial cells maintain and adjust their connections to each other in response to various forces. By studying cell-cell junctions, which are crucial for cell adhesion and barrier function, the research aims to understand the dynamic interactions between these junctions and the underlying cytoskeleton. Using developing embryos of the frog species Xenopus laevis, the team employs advanced imaging techniques to observe how cells adapt their structures under mechanical stress. This knowledge could lead to insights into how tissues respond to physical changes and maintain their integrity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of tissue integrity and potentially lead to new treatments for diseases related to cell adhesion, such as cancer metastasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding cell adhesion mechanisms, but this specific approach using live imaging in developing embryos is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Ann Louise — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Miller, Ann Louise
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.