Understanding how cells move and respond to signals
Official title: Deciphering Cellular Heterogeneity and Inheritability in Migration
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10894819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells move and react to signals in the body, especially a signal called CXCL12, to help us understand why some cells behave differently during healing or when cancer spreads, which could lead to better treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $382,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150509-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions that involve abnormal cell migration, such as cancer patients or those with chronic wounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions unrelated to cell migration or those not undergoing treatment for conditions like cancer or chronic wounds may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different cells migrate and respond to specific signals, particularly focusing on the chemokine CXCL12. By using advanced techniques to analyze individual cells, the researchers aim to uncover the reasons behind the varying responses of cells during important processes like healing and cancer spread. The study employs a high-throughput platform that allows for the rapid assessment of thousands of cells, providing insights into their movement and behavior. This could lead to a better understanding of diseases where cell migration plays a critical role.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to cell migration, such as cancer and wound healing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cell migration through similar high-throughput techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yu-Chih — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yu-Chih
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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.