Investigating how cell junctions respond to mechanical stress
Official title: Direct and Quantitative Probing of Desmosome Mechanotransduction
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11140032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special connections between cells, called desmosomes, help keep our tissues strong and how they react to physical forces, which could help us understand important processes like healing wounds and how cells move and change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $385,226 |
| NIH project number | 7R35GM150623-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to epithelial tissue integrity, such as skin disorders or heart diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-epithelial tissue conditions or those not affected by mechanical stress-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of desmosomes, which are specialized cell junctions that help maintain the structural integrity of tissues. By examining how these junctions respond to mechanical forces, the study aims to uncover their involvement in critical processes such as cell migration, differentiation, and wound healing. The approach involves direct probing of the molecular components of desmosomes to understand their mechanotransduction capabilities, which could lead to insights into how cells communicate and adapt to their physical environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of tissue repair and development, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions affecting the skin and heart.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding cell junction mechanics, suggesting that this research builds on established knowledge while exploring new aspects of mechanotransduction.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Ruiguo — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Ruiguo
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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.