Understanding how cell membrane properties affect cell movement during development

Determining how membrane fluidity regulates embryonic cell migration

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-10940050

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10940050 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell migration or those undergoing developmental assessments.

Not a fit: Patients with stable conditions unrelated to cell migration or those not in a developmental phase may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.