Understanding how cells respond to their environment
Leveraging protein-engineered biomaterials and bioorthogonal chemistries to elucidate the role of non-elastic matrix properties in regulating cell fate
This work explores how the physical properties of the material surrounding cells influence their behavior, including how they grow and divide.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174573 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells are very sensitive to the environment around them, especially the physical qualities of the extracellular matrix, which is the network of proteins and other molecules that provides support to cells. These environmental cues are important for normal development, keeping our bodies healthy, repairing tissues, and even how diseases progress. This project aims to create new tools using specially designed materials and chemical methods to better understand how cells sense and react to these physical signals. By doing so, we hope to uncover the basic ways cells respond to their surroundings under conditions similar to those in the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future applications could benefit patients with conditions related to tissue repair or disease progression influenced by cell mechanics.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct therapeutic interventions will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this fundamental understanding could lead to new ways to approach tissue regeneration, disease treatment, and the development of biocompatible materials for medical use.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific material systems and chemistries are novel, other studies have shown the importance of mechanical cues in cell behavior, providing a strong foundation for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madl, Christopher Matthew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Madl, Christopher Matthew
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.