Understanding how cells change shape and move
Biophysical Control of Cell Form and Function by Single Actomyosin Stress Fibers
This research helps us understand how tiny fibers inside our cells allow them to change shape and move, which is important for many body processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11067781 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of cells that constantly change shape and move, a process crucial for healing wounds, developing organs, and even fighting disease. This project looks closely at tiny internal structures called actomyosin stress fibers, which act like internal muscles, allowing cells to pull and push on their surroundings. We use advanced laser technology to precisely study how these fibers work together to create movement and shape changes within cells. By understanding these fundamental processes, we hope to learn more about how cells behave in both healthy and diseased tissues. This knowledge could eventually help us understand conditions where cell movement goes wrong, like in cancer or developmental disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could benefit patients with conditions related to cell migration and tissue development.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate therapeutic interventions or direct clinical care will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide foundational knowledge about cell mechanics, which is essential for understanding diseases involving abnormal cell movement and shape, such as cancer metastasis or developmental defects.
How similar studies have performed: The researchers have made significant contributions to this field over the past 15 years, building upon previous successes in understanding stress fiber mechanics.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Sanjay — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Sanjay
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.