How fluid viscosity and stiffness affect cell movement and behavior
Official title: The interplay of extracellular fluid viscosity, stiffness and confinement in regulating cell responses
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11011900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $479,487 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156305-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by cell migration, such as cancer or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell migration mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Konstantopoulos, Konstantinos — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Konstantopoulos, Konstantinos
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting hidden brain injuries in iTTP to improve long-term brain health
A researcher aims to find out how silent brain injuries in people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) happen, how they affect thinking and stroke risk, and how to prevent them.
-
Accelerated flap coverage for severe leg injuries: earlier reconstruction vs standard timing
This study tests whether doing early flap coverage after a severe leg injury lowers infection risk and improves healing for patients with open wounds and bone injury.
-
Placebo-controlled shunting for iNPH: does the surgery help with walking and balance?
A doctor-led trial at Johns Hopkins will test whether a shunt surgery improves walking and balance in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
Omalizumab for COPD patients with allergen sensitization and exposure
A multicenter trial will test whether adding omalizumab helps people with COPD who are allergic to common indoor allergens and are exposed to them.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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.