# Understanding the control mechanisms of 3D cell migration from new dimensions

> **NIH NIH R35** · OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $167,033

## Abstract

Cell migration in 3D tissue space is of fundamental importance for human biology. However, predicting and
programming 3D cell motility remain as major challenges despite of a firm picture of the molecular machineries
involved. To fill the knowledge gap between the overwhelming subcellular details such as protein-protein
interactions, and the fascinating dynamic patterns exhibited by different cell types in tissue spaces, I will focus
on the mesoscale cellular dynamics, namely the migration phenotype transitions of cells in 3D extracellular matrix
(ECM). To advance the goal of the parent award, two specific aims will be pursued within the scope of the parent
award. These specific aims rely on access to a dedicated fluorescent microscope with advanced
photomanipulation modules. In particular, aim 1 will elucidate how migration phenotype is modulated by the
spatial-temporal gradient of ECM mechanical cues. I will measure the migration phenotype transition rates which
encode the cellular responses to spatial-temporal gradient of ECM mechanics. The ECM mechanical properties
will be controlled in real time by taking advantage of photoactivated ECM crosslinks. The result will lead to the
construction of quasipotential energy landscape that quantitatively depict the cell migration phenotype plasticity.
In aim 2 I will employ photo convertible fluorescent cell markers to determine the migration phenotype signatures
of partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) states. I will compare the migration phenotype landscape for
epithelial, mesenchymal, and partial EMT cells from the same epithelial spheroid treated by TGF-β. I will also
corroborate the findings with underlying gene expression networks, therefore integrating upstream and
downstream observations to build mechanistic models that explain the initiation and evolution of cell migration
mode plasticity. Both aims are inline with the parent award, while improving data quality and further mechanistic
insights. To pursue the aims I will purchase a fluorescent microscope equipped with state-of-the-art imaging and
photomanipulation modules. This system will replace an aging 8 years old fluorescent microscope, one of the
PI’s main instrument. The acquired equipment will be fully allocated to the project supported by the parent award
and the research in this application.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10579538
- **Project number:** 3R35GM138179-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Bo Sun
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $167,033
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10579538

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10579538, Understanding the control mechanisms of 3D cell migration from new dimensions (3R35GM138179-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-03 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10579538. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*