Understanding Cell Forces and Movement in Health and Disease
Advancing Visualization and Quantification of Subcellular and Biomolecular Mechanics through Mechanochemical Protocols
This research aims to better understand how cells move and generate forces, which can tell us a lot about various health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clarkson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Potsdam, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells are not still; they are constantly moving and creating forces, and these actions can signal different diseases. Current methods to observe these tiny movements and forces have limitations, making it hard to get a full picture. This project brings together chemistry and mechanical engineering to create new ways to see and measure these cell mechanics at a very detailed level. By using special chemical and mechanical techniques, we hope to overcome existing challenges and gain a clearer view of what's happening inside cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation, but its findings could eventually benefit patients with a wide range of conditions linked to cell mechanics.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a deeper understanding of how diseases develop at the cellular level, potentially leading to new ways to diagnose or treat them in the future.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been significant advancements in cell mechanics, this project proposes novel interdisciplinary approaches to address current technological and methodological limitations.
Where this research is happening
Potsdam, United States
- Clarkson University — Potsdam, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Xiaocun — Clarkson University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Xiaocun
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.