Mapping mechanical signals in living cells
Official title: In Situ Force Mapping to See Mechanical Communication in Action in Genomes of Living Cells
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11022560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells talk to each other using tiny forces, which is really important for how they work, especially in diseases like cancer and heart problems, and it aims to create special tools to see and measure these forces to help us understand how cells react to their surroundings and find new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $349,681 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156895-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to dysregulated mechanical communication, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions that do not involve mechanical signaling or communication issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells communicate using mechanical forces, which are crucial for regulating various cellular functions. By developing advanced nanoprobes, the project aims to visualize and quantify these forces within cells, particularly focusing on their role in diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The approach involves creating a stress-sensitive meshwork that can report on the mechanical environment of the cell, providing insights into how cells respond to internal and external cues. This could lead to a better understanding of cellular mechanics and potential new therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments targeting mechanical communication in diseases such as cancer and fibrotic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using force nanoprobes is novel, similar research in cellular mechanics has shown promising results in understanding disease processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mukhina, Maria — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Mukhina, Maria
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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.