How the stiffness of materials affects cell growth in 3D environments
Official title: Regulation of Adherent Cell Proliferation by Matrix Viscoelasticity
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10918234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the firmness and flexibility of materials can affect how cells grow and behave in 3D spaces, helping us understand how changes in their environment might influence important processes like cell growth and movement, which could be really helpful for improving treatments in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $386,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148535-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918234 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from advanced tissue engineering techniques, such as those requiring regenerative therapies for injuries or degenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to tissue engineering or those not requiring cell-based therapies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the stiffness and viscoelastic properties of materials influence the growth and behavior of cells in three-dimensional environments. By examining the mechanisms through which cells sense these material properties, the study aims to uncover how changes in their surroundings can affect cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The research employs advanced techniques such as ATAC sequencing to analyze gene expression changes in response to varying matrix conditions, providing insights into cellular responses that could enhance tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative therapies by optimizing the conditions for cell growth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell behavior in response to material stiffness, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaudhuri, Ovijit — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Chaudhuri, Ovijit
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.