Understanding how cells move in diseases like cancer and heart conditions

Cell mechanoresponses in physiologically relevant microenvironments

NIH-funded research Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-11103326

This project explores how cells move and react to their environment, hoping to find new ways to prevent and treat diseases like cancer, heart problems, and issues related to aging.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAuburn University at Auburn NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11103326 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies' cells are constantly moving, a process that's crucial for healthy development but also plays a big role in diseases like cancer spreading or heart conditions developing. This project looks closely at how the physical environment around cells, such as pressure or stiffness, influences their movement and survival. By using advanced tools and simulations, we aim to understand how these physical cues turn into signals inside the cells. The goal is to uncover the fundamental ways cells respond to their surroundings, especially under pressure, which is common in many diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage.

Not a fit: Patients not affected by cancer, cardiovascular pathologies, or aging-related conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments and strategies to stop the progression of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and age-related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on previous findings about how cells experience pressure, but it explores new, unanswered questions about how cells behave under different pressures in the body.

Where this research is happening

Auburn, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.