Understanding how cells move and respond to their environment
Systematic Analysis of the Actin Cytoskeleton and Directed Cell Migration
This study is looking at how cells move and interact with their environment, using a special mouse model to understand the role of certain proteins that help cells migrate, which is important for healing wounds and understanding cancer spread, with hopes that the results could lead to better treatments for related health issues.
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-11066481 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind cell movement and how cells interact with their surroundings. By using a specialized mouse model, the study aims to explore the role of specific proteins in the cytoskeleton that are crucial for cell migration. The researchers will analyze how these proteins work together to enable cells to move in a directed manner, which is important for processes like wound healing and cancer metastasis. The findings could provide insights into how cells respond to various environmental cues, potentially leading to advancements in treating diseases related to cell movement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell migration, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with stable, non-migratory conditions or those not affected by cell motility issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases by improving our understanding of cell migration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding cell motility and its implications for various diseases, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bear, James E — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Bear, James E
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.