Understanding how cells respond to mechanical forces
Mechanical Information Processing from Sub-cellular to Tissue Scales
This study is looking at how the way cells move and respond to physical forces affects important processes like growth and death, which can help us find better treatments for conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11012191 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the mechanical behaviors of cells influence important physiological processes such as cell growth, movement, and programmed cell death, which are crucial in conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. By using advanced techniques like live cell imaging and mathematical modeling, the research aims to uncover the principles behind how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces. This knowledge could lead to new ways to engineer cell and tissue behavior, potentially improving treatments for various diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancer or cardiovascular diseases who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches targeting cell mechanics.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell mechanics or those who are not undergoing treatment for cancer or cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that manipulate cell behavior to treat diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cell mechanics and its implications for disease, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gardel, Margaret Lise — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gardel, Margaret Lise
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.