Understanding how macrophages and fibroblasts communicate during tissue repair.
Official title: Macrophage-Fibroblast Communication in Cell Migration and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10911999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two types of cells, macrophages and fibroblasts, talk to each other during the healing process, using special technology to see how they work together in different oxygen levels, which could help us understand how tissues repair themselves in both healthy and sick conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,945 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150815-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve tissue repair or remodeling, such as chronic wounds or fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute injuries or conditions unrelated to tissue remodeling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication between macrophages and fibroblasts, two important cell types involved in tissue repair and homeostasis. By using advanced microfluidic technology and biosensors, the study aims to control and monitor the signals that these cells exchange in a three-dimensional environment. The goal is to uncover how these interactions influence cell migration and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, especially under varying oxygen levels. This could lead to a better understanding of tissue dynamics in health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of tissue repair processes, potentially leading to improved treatments for conditions involving tissue damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell communication in tissue dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zervantonakis, Ioannis — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zervantonakis, Ioannis
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.