Mechanosensing LIM Domains and How Cells Feel Force
Official title: Mechanotransduction via LIM Domain Protein Mechanosensing
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11380862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how cells turn physical forces into signals, by looking at LIM domain proteins that sense strain in actin fibers to help cells respond and repair themselves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $306,821 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148644-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380862 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient participation in this basic science project.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit in this basic mechanobiology study.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how LIM domain proteins detect stretched actin fibers and convert that mechanical information into biochemical signals. Researchers will develop and apply experimental approaches to map how LIM domains recognize strained structures and how that recognition triggers downstream responses. The work centers on the LIM protein family, building on zyxin as a model, to see if other LIM proteins can act as mechanotransducers. By clarifying these processes, the study could reveal new ways cells coordinate movement, repair, and assembly in tissues. The research is conducted at Loyola University Chicago under the leadership of Patrick W. Oakes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new targets to modulate cell mechanics in diseases and tissue repair.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with zyxin supports the idea that LIM domains sense strain; this project expands to other LIM family members.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oakes, Patrick William — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Oakes, Patrick William
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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.