How neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) follow electrical signals
A Functional Genomics Approach to Uncover the Mechanisms of Neutrophil Galvanotaxis.
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · NIH-11364515
This project uses genetic tools to find the genes that help neutrophils (white blood cells) move toward electrical signals, aiming to help people with infections and wound-healing problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11364515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will build a device that separates millions of neutrophils by how they move in an electric field and then use genome-wide CRISPR methods to switch off genes and see which ones change cell movement. The team will work with engineering and computational collaborators to optimize the device and the assay so it is robust and scalable. Most experiments will use human neutrophils collected from blood and analyzed in the lab to map the molecular machinery that guides galvanotaxis. The approach combines device engineering, large-scale genetic perturbations, and computational analysis to identify the genes and pathways that let neutrophils sense and follow bioelectric cues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People able to donate a small blood sample—either healthy volunteers or patients with infections, chronic wounds, or inflammatory conditions—who are near the University of Colorado Boulder would be the most likely candidates to participate.
Not a fit: Patients looking for an immediate new treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory-based basic research rather than a clinical treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets for therapies that improve wound healing and infection control by directing immune cells more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show cells and wounds respond to electric fields and that bioelectric therapies can aid healing, but using large-scale genome-wide CRISPR screens on human neutrophil galvanotaxis is a new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO — Boulder, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BELLIVEAU, NATHAN M — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
- Study coordinator: BELLIVEAU, NATHAN M
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.