Integrating data-driven models to understand tissue function and degeneration
Official title: Integrate Data-Driven Modeling and Multi-scale Measures Towards Tissue Function
Funded at Lehigh University · NIH-11399804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to build a digital twin of human tissues to better understand how tissue heterogeneity and cell signaling affect growth, remodeling, and the risk of aneurysm-related tissue degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lehigh University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethlehem, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $281,523 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM157589-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with connective tissue issues or aneurysm risk may be eligible for future validation studies and related trials as the digital twin models advance.
✕Less likely to help
Early-phase work may not directly benefit patients until validated models are translated into clinical tools.
What this research studies
This project combines physics-based and data-driven modeling with experimental tissue biomechanics to study how varied collagen structures and cell signaling influence tissue behavior across scales. Researchers will develop a bio-mathematical framework that links cellular processes to tissue-level mechanics, using multi-scale measurements to capture matrix remodeling. The goal is to create a digital twin that can simulate in-vivo tissue degeneration and aneurysm growth, guiding future treatments. The team brings together experts in machine learning, biomechanics, and biological tissue modeling to push theoretical, computational, and experimental boundaries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from more accurate predictions of tissue degeneration and personalized strategies to prevent aneurysm growth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in multi-scale tissue modeling shows promise, but this project aims to integrate data-driven and physics-based approaches for a digital twin, which is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Yue — Lehigh University
- Study coordinator: Yu, Yue
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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.