Manipulating chemokine environments using synthetic cells

Sensing and modulating the chemokine environment with synthetic cells

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10911003

This study is looking at how certain signals in the body help cells move around, especially in conditions like cancer and heart disease, and aims to create new ways to guide healing cells to the right spots to improve treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911003 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how chemokine gradients influence the movement of cells in the body, particularly in diseases like cancer and atherosclerosis. By developing synthetic cells, the researchers aim to control these chemokine environments to improve the recruitment of therapeutic cells to areas needing treatment. The study will explore specific chemokine receptor pathways that are crucial for cell migration and could lead to advancements in regenerative medicine. Patients may benefit from improved therapies that target these pathways more effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions such as cancer, atherosclerosis, or other diseases influenced by chemokine signaling.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to chemokine signaling or those not requiring cell-based therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for diseases driven by chemokine signaling, enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the manipulation of chemokine environments is a relatively novel approach, there have been promising developments in related areas of regenerative medicine.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.