Understanding how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces
Official title: Quantitative Molecular Imaging in Engineered Cellular Microenvironments to Study and Control Directional Mechanosensing
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-10939903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells feel and react to the forces around them, which is important for things like how they move and grow, and it could help us understand diseases like cancer and fibrosis better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $366,995 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155264-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve abnormal cell migration or mechanotransduction, such as certain cancers or fibrotic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular mechanics or those not experiencing issues with cell migration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells detect and respond to mechanical forces in their environment, which is crucial for processes like cell movement and tissue development. By developing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to observe how cells use specific proteins to sense these forces at a molecular level. The research will explore the dynamic interactions between cells and their surroundings, focusing on how these interactions influence cellular behavior and communication. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how these mechanisms contribute to diseases such as cancer and fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases related to cell movement and mechanical signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cellular mechanotransduction, but this approach aims to develop novel imaging techniques that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Driscoll, Tristan P — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Driscoll, Tristan P
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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.