How fluid viscosity and stiffness affect cell movement and behavior
The interplay of extracellular fluid viscosity, stiffness and confinement in regulating cell responses
This study is looking at how the thickness of fluids around cells and the firmness of nearby tissues affect how cells move and act, which is important for things like fighting infections and cancer, and it aims to find new ways to help treat diseases where cell movement is a big factor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11011900 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the viscosity of extracellular fluids and the stiffness of surrounding tissues influence the movement and behavior of cells. By examining how cells respond to these physical cues, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cell migration, which is crucial for processes like immune responses and cancer progression. The research will utilize advanced techniques to analyze cell behavior in various environments, providing insights into how cells adapt to their surroundings. Understanding these interactions could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases where cell migration plays a key role.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by cell migration, such as cancer or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell migration or those who do not have a physiological response to extracellular fluid viscosity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases by targeting the mechanisms of cell migration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell migration mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Konstantopoulos, Konstantinos — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Konstantopoulos, Konstantinos
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.