Understanding how muscle cells respond to their environment
Official title: DAPC structural adaption in regulating nanotopography-responsive myotube orientation
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10592954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special protein that helps muscle cells connect to their surroundings, and it's trying to find out how this protein reacts to different signals, which could help us understand and improve treatments for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $354,222 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR081016-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10592954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy or related muscular disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-muscular conditions or those not affected by muscular dystrophies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Dystrophin-Associated-Protein-Complex (DAPC), which plays a crucial role in connecting muscle cells to their surrounding environment. By examining how this protein complex responds to different physical and chemical cues, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that affect muscle cell behavior, particularly in conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The researchers will use engineered surfaces with specific patterns to observe how muscle cells align and function, providing insights that could lead to new therapies. Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may benefit from understanding these cellular responses, which could inform treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for muscular dystrophies and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cellular responses to engineered environments, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Wei — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Shen, Wei
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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.