Understanding how cells convert mechanical forces into biochemical signals
Official title: Converting cytoskeletal forces into biochemical signals
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11009018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells feel and respond to physical signals from their surroundings, especially focusing on how this process might be linked to diseases like cancer, to help find new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $305,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM146880-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to mechanotransduction dysfunction, particularly cancer patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to mechanotransduction or those not affected by cellular mechanical signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells sense mechanical cues from their environment and convert these signals into biochemical responses that influence their behavior and gene expression. By focusing on the actin cytoskeleton, which plays a crucial role in this process, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind mechanotransduction, particularly in relation to diseases like cancer. The approach involves examining the interactions between actin filaments and specific proteins that may facilitate this conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical signals. This could lead to new insights into cellular function and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for diseases where mechanotransduction is disrupted, such as cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of mechanotransduction is established, this specific approach to understanding the role of the actin cytoskeleton in this process is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alushin, Gregory M — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Alushin, Gregory M
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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.