How tiny forces at cell surfaces affect movement, platelets, and immune cleanup
Study the role of integrin tension in cell migration, platelet functions and phagocytosis
This project looks at how tiny pulls on cell surfaces influence cell movement, blood platelets, and how immune cells clear particles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251623 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use molecular tension sensors that turn tiny mechanical pulls into fluorescent signals and tension modulators that lower those pulls to watch forces in live cells. They apply these tools to migrating cells, platelets, and macrophages to map where forces form and how they guide adhesion, movement, and particle uptake. The team has already identified new force-bearing structures such as integrin lines, phagocytic adhesion rings, and force foci in platelets. Most experiments are done in the lab with live cell and platelet preparations using fluorescence imaging and calibrated molecular tools.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with disorders involving platelet function, clotting or bleeding, immune clearance defects, or cancers prone to metastasis are most relevant to the biology this research addresses.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell movement, platelet biology, or phagocytosis are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to treat cancer spread, bleeding or clotting disorders, and immune clearance problems by targeting cellular force mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Related molecular tension sensors have been used successfully in lab studies, but applying the ITS/TGT tools to integrin structures, platelets, and phagocytosis is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xuefeng — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xuefeng
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.