Understanding how different cells contract and move in the body
Official title: Sorting and characterization of mechanically heterogeneous cell populations based on cellular contractility
Funded at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-10893552 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different cells move and contract, which can change even among similar cells, to help us understand how these differences might affect diseases like cancer and heart problems, with the hope of finding new treatments that focus on these specific cell behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $182,539 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB034930-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893552 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or age-related disorders that involve cellular contractility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-invasive conditions or those not affected by cellular contractility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in how cells contract and move, which can vary significantly even among cells from the same source. By sorting these cells based on their contractility, the study aims to understand how these variations affect diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions. The approach involves isolating and characterizing cell populations to explore their mechanical properties and how these relate to disease outcomes. This could lead to new therapies that target specific cell behaviors in various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for diseases by targeting specific cell behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cellular mechanics for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach could be beneficial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jian — University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jian
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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.