Understanding how cells move towards stiffer surfaces
Official title: Predictive multi-scale model of focal adhesion-based durotaxis
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11004992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | January 23, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $343,805 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148459-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell migration, such as cancer patients or those with developmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Jian — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Jian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting hidden brain injuries in iTTP to improve long-term brain health
A researcher aims to find out how silent brain injuries in people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) happen, how they affect thinking and stroke risk, and how to prevent them.
-
Accelerated flap coverage for severe leg injuries: earlier reconstruction vs standard timing
This study tests whether doing early flap coverage after a severe leg injury lowers infection risk and improves healing for patients with open wounds and bone injury.
-
Placebo-controlled shunting for iNPH: does the surgery help with walking and balance?
A doctor-led trial at Johns Hopkins will test whether a shunt surgery improves walking and balance in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
Omalizumab for COPD patients with allergen sensitization and exposure
A multicenter trial will test whether adding omalizumab helps people with COPD who are allergic to common indoor allergens and are exposed to them.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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.