Understanding how cells communicate and move using their internal structures.
Official title: Biophysical Mechanisms of Force Transmission in Cytoskeletal Ensembles
Funded at University of Mississippi · NIH-10879120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny structures in our cells help them move and divide, which could give us important clues about diseases like cancer and heart problems, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how our cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $289,412 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM147050-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879120 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cellular dysfunction, such as cancer or cardiac disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular mechanics or those who do not have cancer or cardiac diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of actin filaments and microtubules, which are crucial components of the cell's structure, in processes like cell division and movement. By creating engineered environments that mimic the natural conditions of cells, the study aims to explore how these filaments work together through motor proteins to transmit forces and signals. This approach bridges the gap between studying individual molecules and whole cells, providing insights into the mechanics of cellular functions. The findings could enhance our understanding of diseases linked to these cellular processes, such as cancer and heart disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers and cardiac diseases by targeting the fundamental mechanisms of cell movement and communication.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of cytoskeletal mechanics is established, the specific approach of creating engineered nanocells to study these interactions is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi
University, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinemann, Dana Nicole — University of Mississippi
- Study coordinator: Reinemann, Dana Nicole
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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.