Molecular mechanisms of how cell attachments work in tissues
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Adhesion
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11522033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at the University of Florida is studying how cells stick to each other and to their surroundings to keep tissues healthy, which could help treat diseases that disrupt these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $78,740 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM139604-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11522033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with conditions involving epithelial barrier dysfunction or abnormal tissue remodeling where cell adhesion is affected.
✕Less likely to help
People without diseases related to tissue adhesion may experience indirect benefits through broader scientific advances.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on how adherens junctions and focal adhesions regulate tissue structure and signaling. The work uses biochemical methods and live-cell imaging to uncover how actin-binding proteins coordinate cell adhesion and movement. Findings could reveal new ways to protect tissue barriers and inform therapies for diseases where cell connections fail. The project builds on years of prior work with innovative techniques to overcome previous scientific hurdles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better strategies to repair damaged tissue barriers and control abnormal cell movement in diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in cell junctions and actin cytoskeleton regulation has yielded important mechanistic insights, suggesting this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Izard, Tina — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Izard, Tina
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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.