How membrane tension affects cell movement and behavior
Official title: Membrane tension as a long-range integrator of cell physiology
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11077337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the pressure on cell membranes affects how cells move and change shape, which is important for understanding how they work in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $119,339 |
| NIH project number | 5K99GM154115-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve abnormal cell movement or behavior, such as cancer or inflammatory diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions that do not involve cell motility or behavior may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how membrane tension influences the behavior and movement of cells. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and optical tweezers, the study aims to understand how forces within cells can affect their shape and movement, particularly during processes like migration. The research focuses on the coordination of cell polarity and the competition between different parts of the cell as it moves. This could provide insights into fundamental cellular processes that are crucial for various biological functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for manipulating cell behavior, which may have implications for treating diseases related to cell movement, such as cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cell mechanics and behavior, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Belly, Henry — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: De Belly, Henry
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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.