Understanding how cells stick together and respond to forces
Official title: UG Diversity Supplement: Epithelial cell-cell junction remodeling in response to cell- and tissue-scale forces
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11065149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how cells in developing frog embryos stick together and adjust their connections when they experience different types of physical pressure, helping us understand how they stay strong and communicate with each other.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $12,307 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM153204-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect epithelial tissues, such as certain cancers or genetic disorders impacting cell adhesion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to epithelial cell function or those not experiencing issues with cell adhesion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how epithelial cells maintain and adjust their connections to each other when subjected to various mechanical forces. By studying cell-cell junctions, such as adherens and tight junctions, the research aims to uncover the signaling mechanisms that help cells adapt their adhesion properties. Using developing embryos of the frog species Xenopus laevis, the team employs advanced imaging techniques to observe these dynamic processes in real-time. The goal is to better understand how cells communicate and maintain their structural integrity under physical stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing tissue integrity and preventing diseases related to cell adhesion, such as cancer metastasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell adhesion dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Ann Louise — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Miller, Ann Louise
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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.