How keratin fibers in epithelial cells sense and respond to physical forces
Molecular basis of force-sensing by the keratin network
This project looks at how keratin networks in epithelial cells detect mechanical forces and recruit other proteins in ways that may influence cancer cell movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study keratin intermediate filaments, the structural proteins in skin and organ-lining cells, to learn how they respond when cells are physically pulled or pushed. In lab-grown epithelial cells, teams will apply controlled forces while using an in situ biotin labeling method to tag proteins that come close to force-bearing keratin fibers. Newly identified proteins will be followed up to see how they change cell behavior such as collective migration, and relevant findings may be tested in animal models. The goal is to create a map of force-sensitive keratin interactions that helps explain how mechanical signals affect cancer-related behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with epithelial cancers (for example skin, breast, lung, or colon cancers) or those willing to donate tissue samples for research would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with non-epithelial conditions or those seeking immediate changes to their clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to limit harmful cancer cell movement or make tumors less able to respond to mechanical cues that promote spread.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown keratin can recruit proteins like cten under force, but mapping the full force-dependent keratin interactome is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yamada, Soichiro — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Yamada, Soichiro
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.