Understanding how cells move towards stiffer surfaces
Predictive multi-scale model of focal adhesion-based durotaxis
This study is looking at how cells move towards harder areas in their surroundings, which is important for things like healing and cancer growth, and it aims to understand how the spots where cells stick to their environment help them sense and react to these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004992 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a mathematical model to understand how cells migrate towards stiffer areas of their environment, a process known as durotaxis. By focusing on focal adhesions, which are the points where cells attach to their surroundings, the study will explore how these structures help cells sense and respond to the stiffness of the extracellular matrix. The research combines experimental observations with predictive modeling to uncover the mechanisms behind this behavior, which is crucial for processes like tissue development and cancer spread.
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 patients or those with developmental disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell migration or those who are not undergoing treatment for cancer or related diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how to control cell movement, which may improve treatments for cancer metastasis and tissue regeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding cell movement through mechanosensing, but this specific predictive modeling approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Jian — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Jian
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.