Understanding how cells sense and respond to mechanical signals
Official title: Mechanotransduction via LIM Domain Protein Mechanosensing
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-10913580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in our cells help them respond to physical stress, which is important for how cells move and form tissues, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies react to different kinds of pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,821 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148644-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect cellular mechanics, such as certain types of cancer or tissue repair issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular mechanics or those not involving tissue structure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells convert mechanical signals into biochemical responses, a process known as mechanotransduction. It focuses on a specific group of proteins called LIM domain proteins, which can detect strain in cellular structures like actin filaments. By studying these proteins, the research aims to uncover how they facilitate cellular responses to mechanical stress, which is crucial for cell movement and tissue formation. The approach involves rigorous experimental strategies to analyze the interactions between these proteins and the cellular components they influence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into cellular behavior that may improve treatments for conditions related to tissue mechanics and cellular communication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding mechanotransduction, but the specific focus on LIM domain proteins represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oakes, Patrick William — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Oakes, Patrick William
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.