Understanding how mechanical forces rapidly influence gene expression in cells

Defining nuclear mechanisms for ultrarapid mechanically induced gene expression

['FUNDING_R01'] · CORNELL UNIVERSITY · NIH-10972964

This study is looking at how our muscle cells react to physical stress, like when we exercise, by quickly turning on certain genes, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies adapt to movement and what happens if this process doesn't work properly.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCORNELL UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ITHACA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10972964 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how cells in the human body respond to mechanical forces by quickly expressing specific genes. It focuses on the process of mechanotransduction, which is crucial for tissues like skeletal and cardiac muscle that experience significant mechanical stress. The study aims to uncover novel mechanisms that allow for ultra-rapid gene expression in response to these forces, particularly in skeletal muscle cells. By using advanced techniques, the researchers will explore how these mechanisms function and what happens when they are impaired.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to muscle development or function, such as muscular dystrophy or cardiac disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with non-muscle related conditions or those not affected by mechanical stress on tissues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions like muscular dystrophy and heart disease by enhancing our understanding of gene expression in response to mechanical stimuli.

How similar studies have performed: While mechanotransduction has been studied, the specific focus on ultra-rapid gene expression mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.

Where this research is happening

ITHACA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cardiac Diseases, Cardiac Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.