Understanding how cells detect the stiffness of their environment
Official title: Informational flow from mechanosensing to signaling for extracellular matrix stiffness sensing
Funded at Michigan Technological University · NIH-11037306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells feel the stiffness of their surroundings, which is important for how they grow and move, and it aims to learn more about the proteins involved in this process to help us understand diseases related to cell behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan Technological University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houghton, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $99,337 |
| NIH project number | 3R15GM135806-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect cellular processes, such as cancer or tissue repair disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions that do not involve cellular stiffness or ECM interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells sense the stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is crucial for various cellular processes like growth and movement. By focusing on focal adhesions, the study aims to understand the role of specific proteins, such as talin, in this sensing mechanism. Advanced imaging techniques using lasers and LEDs will be employed to observe these cellular interactions in real-time, providing insights into how cells respond to their physical surroundings. This could lead to a better understanding of diseases related to cell behavior and tissue mechanics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cell behavior in various diseases, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell-ECM interactions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Sangyoon Joshua — Michigan Technological University
- Study coordinator: Han, Sangyoon Joshua
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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.