Understanding how vimentin affects cell movement in tissues

Role of vimentin in mammalian cell motility

NIH-funded research Syracuse University · NIH-10888213

This study is looking at how a protein called vimentin helps cells move through tight spaces, which is important for healing wounds and understanding cancer spread, and it’s for anyone interested in how our bodies repair themselves or how diseases can spread.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSyracuse University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Syracuse, United States)
Project IDNIH-10888213 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of vimentin, a protein that helps maintain cell structure, in the movement of cells through three-dimensional environments. By studying how vimentin interacts with other components of the cell's cytoskeleton, the researchers aim to uncover its influence on cell migration, which is crucial for processes like wound healing and cancer spread. The project will involve experiments that analyze how the absence of vimentin affects cell motility and the mechanical resilience of cells as they navigate through dense tissues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve abnormal cell migration, such as cancer patients or those with chronic wounds.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell motility or those who are not undergoing treatment for cancer or wound healing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving wound healing and preventing cancer metastasis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding cytoskeletal dynamics can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and regenerative medicine.

Where this research is happening

Syracuse, 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.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.