Nuclear mechanics in tight cell movement
Official title: Nuclear mechanobiology in confined migration (equipment supplement 2026)
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11533897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how the nucleus changes its shape and function when cells squeeze through very small spaces, which could affect health and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $50,624 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM153257-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11533897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals whose cells are used for studying nuclear mechanics and migration, such as patients providing tissue or blood samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy volunteers whose cells are not used for disease-related analyses may have no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how physical forces on the nucleus influence how genes are turned on or off when cells move through 3D environments like tissues. By using specialized equipment, the team will examine how nuclear deformation during confined migration relates to DNA damage and chromatin changes. The findings could reveal new ways that cell movement contributes to development, healing, inflammation, and cancer spread. Participants with relevant conditions may contribute cells or samples to better understand how nuclei behave under stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new insights into how cells move in tissues and how this affects health, potentially informing cancer biology and regenerative medicine.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked nuclear deformation to changes in gene expression and DNA integrity during confined migration, suggesting this is a promising area.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lammerding, Jan — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Lammerding, Jan
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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.