How epithelial cells respond to different mechanical environments
Official title: Epithelial Cell Mechanobiology in Mechanically Heterogeneous Microenvironments
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11014858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the cells that line our organs react to their surroundings, which could help us understand how wounds heal and how cancer spreads, making it easier to find new ways to support healing and fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | January 14, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $440,454 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156571-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting epithelial tissues, such as wounds or certain types of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to epithelial tissue function or those who do not have access to the research location may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how epithelial cells, which form the lining of various organs, sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their surroundings. By examining how these cells migrate and aggregate in response to changes in their extracellular matrix, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind processes like wound healing and tumor invasion. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze cell behavior in three-dimensional environments, focusing on how cells communicate and coordinate their movements. This understanding could lead to new insights into how tissues repair themselves and how cancer spreads.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve strategies for enhancing wound healing and developing therapies for cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in mechanobiology has shown promising results in understanding cell behavior in response to mechanical stimuli, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pathak, Amit — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Pathak, Amit
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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.