Tracking growth factors in real-time to understand tissue development
Official title: High-speed, real-time feedback-driven single particle tracking with concurrent smFRET
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11038216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new super-fast microscope that can watch how important molecules called growth factors behave and change in real-time, which could help us understand how they help our bodies grow and what goes wrong in diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,675 |
| NIH project number | 1R21GM157695-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038216 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions related to tissue development or repair, such as those with injuries or degenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions that do not involve growth factor dynamics or tissue development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new high-speed microscope that can track individual growth factors in real-time while also gathering information about their internal states. By observing these molecules in their natural environment with high spatial and temporal resolution, the research seeks to uncover how growth factors regulate tissue development and how these processes may break down in disease. The innovative approach combines advanced tracking techniques with simultaneous spectroscopy to provide deeper insights into molecular behavior. This could lead to a better understanding of various biological processes and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of tissue development and disease mechanisms, potentially leading to new treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar techniques in single molecule tracking have shown promise in other biological studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andersson, Sean B. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Andersson, Sean B.
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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.