Understanding how cell membranes guide cell movement
Determining how membrane fluidity regulates embryonic cell migration
This research looks at how the outer layer of cells helps them move, which is important for healthy development and preventing diseases like cancer.
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 ID | NIH-11137592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how the outer layer of our cells, called the plasma membrane, helps cells move and interact with their surroundings. Cell movement is a fundamental process, playing a vital role in how our bodies develop, how our immune system fights off illness, and unfortunately, how cancer cells spread. We want to understand how the fats (lipids) and proteins in the cell membrane work together to guide these movements. By studying this in developing bird cells, we hope to discover new ways to manage problems caused by cells moving incorrectly in human health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future applications could benefit individuals with developmental issues or certain cancers related to abnormal cell migration.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating conditions where cell movement goes wrong, such as developmental disorders or the spread of cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about proteins in cell migration, understanding the specific role of lipids and membrane fluidity in this process is a newer and less explored area.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piacentino, Michael Louis — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Piacentino, Michael Louis
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.