Improving how we measure and visualize the mechanics of cells and biomolecules
Official title: Advancing Visualization and Quantification of Subcellular and Biomolecular Mechanics through Mechanochemical Protocols
Funded at Clarkson University · NIH-10941491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to see how cells move and work together, which could help doctors better understand and treat different diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clarkson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Potsdam, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $359,803 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM154994-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve cellular dysfunction or mechanical properties, such as cancer or other diseases affecting cell behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-dynamic conditions that do not involve cellular mechanics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanical properties of cells, which are crucial for diagnosing and treating various diseases. By developing new techniques that combine chemistry and mechanical engineering, the project aims to create better tools for visualizing and quantifying how cells behave and interact at the molecular level. The approach includes using advanced methods like Atomic Force Microscopy and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer to overcome current limitations in measuring cell mechanics. This could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of cellular functions and disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and therapies for diseases by providing deeper insights into cellular mechanics.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in cell mechanics research, this project aims to introduce novel methodologies that have not been extensively tested in this specific context.
Where this research is happening
-
Clarkson University
Potsdam, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Xiaocun — Clarkson University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Xiaocun
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.