Understanding how cell membrane properties affect cell movement during development
Official title: Determining how membrane fluidity regulates embryonic cell migration
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10940050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the flexibility of cell membranes affects how cells move, especially during the early stages of development, and it focuses on bird cells to understand how changes in the cell's outer layer can influence their movement, which is important for healthy growth and can be linked to diseases like cancer when things go wrong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $409,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155257-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell migration or those undergoing developmental assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions unrelated to cell migration or those not in a developmental phase may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the fluidity of cell membranes influences the movement of cells, particularly during embryonic development. By studying avian neural crest cells, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which membrane composition and properties affect cell migration in three-dimensional environments. The approach involves examining lipid metabolism and its impact on cell signaling and migration behaviors, which are crucial for normal development and can contribute to diseases like cancer when disrupted.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating conditions related to abnormal cell migration, such as developmental disorders and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell migration mechanisms, but this specific focus on membrane fluidity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piacentino, Michael Louis — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Piacentino, Michael Louis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting hidden brain injuries in iTTP to improve long-term brain health
A researcher aims to find out how silent brain injuries in people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) happen, how they affect thinking and stroke risk, and how to prevent them.
-
Accelerated flap coverage for severe leg injuries: earlier reconstruction vs standard timing
This study tests whether doing early flap coverage after a severe leg injury lowers infection risk and improves healing for patients with open wounds and bone injury.
-
Placebo-controlled shunting for iNPH: does the surgery help with walking and balance?
A doctor-led trial at Johns Hopkins will test whether a shunt surgery improves walking and balance in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
Omalizumab for COPD patients with allergen sensitization and exposure
A multicenter trial will test whether adding omalizumab helps people with COPD who are allergic to common indoor allergens and are exposed to them.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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.