How the protein ILK helps cells stick to their surroundings
Molecular basis of ILK-mediated cell adhesion
This work looks at how the protein ILK helps cells attach and move, which matters for many health issues like wound healing and cancer spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306557 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use cell experiments and animal models to see how ILK controls the formation of focal adhesions, the molecular machines that let cells grip the outside world. They will combine microscopy, biochemical tests, and genetic methods to track ILK interactions with integrins and the cytoskeleton. The team aims to map the step-by-step process by which activated integrins connect to internal cell scaffolding and drive cell shape change and movement. Findings will build on prior molecular studies to reveal mechanisms that are currently unclear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by conditions linked to cell adhesion—for example certain cancers, chronic wounds, or fibrotic disorders—might be most interested in following this research or in future trials based on it.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell adhesion biology (for example most infectious diseases or isolated metabolic disorders) are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to improve wound healing, limit tumor spread, or treat diseases involving abnormal cell adhesion.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have revealed parts of integrin signaling, but the detailed role of ILK in assembling focal adhesions remains incompletely understood, so this work builds on prior findings while addressing novel gaps.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qin, Jun — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Qin, Jun
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.