Understanding how cells communicate and respond to their surroundings
Mathematical modeling of cellular signaling systems
This project aims to understand the tiny signals that tell cells what to do, which is important for conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135532 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells constantly receive messages from their environment, like hormones or nutrients, and need to respond correctly. This project uses computer models and experiments on individual cells to figure out how these internal communication systems work. We are especially interested in how cells change shape or move in response to these signals, a process that involves complex internal feedback loops. By studying these fundamental processes, we hope to uncover the basic rules governing cell behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions like cancer or cardiac disorders might eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this basic biological research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational understanding could lead to new ways to address diseases where cell communication goes wrong, such as in cancer or heart conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Mathematical modeling and single-cell experiments are well-established scientific tools that have successfully advanced our understanding of biological systems in many areas.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elston, Timothy C — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Elston, Timothy C
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.