Understanding how cells sense force to improve disease care
Official title: Deciphering Mechanosignaling Using Multi-fluorescence Biomembrane Force Probe
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11401214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers aim to uncover how cells sense mechanical forces and how this affects disease, using a advanced measurement platform and training the next generation of scientists.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $440,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM159909-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401214 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients whose conditions involve abnormal cellular mechanotransduction or related signaling pathways may benefit from future translations of this work.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without mechanotransduction-related conditions are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This program will study how cells translate physical forces into signals that drive disease processes, using the multi-fluorescence biomembrane force probe and complementary methods. It pairs cutting-edge experiments with computer modeling to map how integrin receptors respond to force at a sub-molecular level. The project also emphasizes mentorship and hands-on training for young scientists to build skills in mechanobiology and translational research. Findings could reveal new clues about how mechanical signals contribute to disease and how to diagnose or treat it in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new diagnostic markers and better treatments that target how cells respond to mechanical cues in disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in mechanobiology has shown important links between force sensing and disease, supporting potential translational impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yunfeng — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yunfeng
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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.