# THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CELLULAR FUNCTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 1987 · $124,185

## Abstract

This research is concerned with the determination of the intensity fluctuation
spectra of muscle.  From the measurement of intensity fluctuation spectra of
quasi elastically scattered laser light on muscle cells myosin and actin
filaments, we expect to acquire information about, and develop an understanding
of, the fluctuating contractile forces that produce structural fluctuations in
contractile cells.  To achieve these results we plan to use isolated thick and
thin filaments from vertebrate and invertebrate muscles as well as the muscles
themselves.  Studies of the dynamic properties of bilayer membranes are also
planned in order to estimate their contribution to the structural dynamics of
muscle.  Other contractile or motile phenomena as they occur in nerve cells
(axoplasmic flow and transmitter release) and in bacteria will also be studied.
These studies will provide a basis for understanding the elementary mechanisms
of contractility and motility.  They will also yield a technology and
methodology for studying in situ the functional state of human skeletal and
cardiac muscle, and microcirculation by laser light-scattering.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3154762
- **Project number:** 5R01AR012803-28
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FTMTDMBR29C7
- **Principal Investigator:** FRANCIS D CARLSON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $124,185
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1976-12-01 → 1988-09-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3154762

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3154762, THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CELLULAR FUNCTION (5R01AR012803-28). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3154762. Licensed CC0.

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