Understanding how groups of cells move together in the body
Official title: Dissecting mechanisms of collective migration
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11122353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how groups of cells work together to move, which is important for healing wounds and understanding how cancer spreads, and it aims to find out how the leading cells in the group communicate and respond to their surroundings to help everyone move together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $366,579 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155045-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by conditions related to cancer metastasis or those with healing impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cell migration or those not experiencing issues with wound healing or cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process of collective migration, where groups of cells move in a coordinated manner, which is crucial for various biological processes such as wound healing and cancer metastasis. The study focuses on how leader cells at the front of the group interpret signals from their environment and communicate with follower cells to initiate movement. By examining the mechanical forces and signaling mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover the factors that enable effective collective migration. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how cancer spreads or how wounds heal more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing cancer metastasis and enhancing wound healing.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cell migration mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hwang, Priscilla Y — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Hwang, Priscilla Y
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.