How stiffness and surface texture affect cell behavior in intervertebral discs
Official title: Substrate Stiffness, Topography, and TRPV4 in AF Mechanotransduction
Funded at Rochester Institute of Technology · NIH-11034644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the hardness and texture of materials affect the cells in the part of your spine that helps with movement, which could help us understand how changes in this area might lead to back pain or disc problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rochester Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $98,050 |
| NIH project number | 3R16GM146717-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing low back pain or those at risk of intervertebral disc degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-mechanical back pain or those without any intervertebral disc issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the stiffness and surface texture of materials influence the behavior of cells in the annulus fibrosus, which is part of the intervertebral disc. It focuses on a specific ion channel, TRPV4, that responds to these mechanical cues and plays a role in the synthesis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to uncover how changes in the disc environment can affect cell function and contribute to conditions like low back pain and disc herniation. The study employs various experimental techniques to analyze cell responses to different substrate conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating low back pain and intervertebral disc disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on TRPV4 in the context of intervertebral discs, studies on mechanotransduction in other tissues have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wuertz-Kozak, Karin — Rochester Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Wuertz-Kozak, Karin
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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.