New method to measure how cells interact with each other
Four-dimensional Adhesion Frequency Assay for Full Profiling of Receptor-ligand Interactions on Cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-10911901
This study is testing a new way to see how cells stick to each other and interact in real-time, using tiny robots and light, which could help us learn more about how these processes work in both healthy and sick cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10911901 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel four-dimensional adhesion frequency assay (4D AFA) to better understand how receptor-ligand interactions occur on the surface of cells. By utilizing a light-driven microrobot platform, the study aims to measure these interactions in their natural cellular environments, overcoming limitations of traditional methods that only assess fixed receptors. The approach allows for detailed analysis of receptor distribution and cell adhesion under various conditions, which could lead to improved understanding of cellular behaviors in health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to viral infections or those who may benefit from improved understanding of cell adhesion mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients with stable, non-communicable diseases that do not involve receptor-ligand interactions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the understanding of cell interactions, leading to better treatments for diseases such as viral infections and cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific four-dimensional approach is novel, similar adhesion frequency assays have shown promise in other biomedical research areas.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHENG, YUEBING — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: ZHENG, YUEBING
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 below.