How soft environments affect calcium signaling in cells
Official title: Mechanisms and Functions of Unconventional Intercellular Calcium Waves in Electrically Non-excitable Cells
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10877729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells react to their soft surroundings and how this can cause them to send signals over long distances, which could help us understand how cells communicate and work together in different environments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $362,126 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150812-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve cellular signaling and mechanotransduction, such as certain cancers or tissue repair issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular signaling or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells respond to mechanical stimuli from their surroundings, particularly focusing on how soft environments can trigger long-distance calcium waves in non-excitable cells. By examining the interactions between cell mechanics and signaling, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cellular communication and function. The approach involves using advanced imaging techniques and cell culture models to observe these processes in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional settings. The findings could provide insights into how cellular behavior is influenced by their physical environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for manipulating cell behavior in various medical applications, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding mechanotransduction and its effects on cellular behavior, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Xin — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Tang, Xin
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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.