Analyzing specific forms of the Akt protein in live cells
Official title: Live Cell Isoform-specific Akt Analyses
Funded at Texas Tech University · NIH-10796490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to see how two similar proteins, Akt1 and Akt2, work in living cells, which could help us understand their roles in diseases like diabetes, and it also gives undergraduate students a chance to learn about biomedical research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $475,279 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM147858-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10796490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by Akt protein activity, particularly those with metabolic disorders like diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to Akt protein function or those not experiencing metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative methods to analyze the activity of two closely related proteins, Akt1 and Akt2, in live cells. By using advanced fluorescent techniques, the project aims to quantify the specific activities of these proteins, which play crucial roles in various biological processes and diseases, including diabetes. The research combines established chemical-genetic methods with nanoparticle technology to enable precise tagging of protein substrates, allowing for a clearer understanding of how these proteins function differently despite their similarities. This work not only advances scientific knowledge but also supports the training of undergraduate researchers in the biomedical field.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for diseases related to Akt protein dysfunction, such as diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar live-cell analysis techniques to study protein functions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Degeng — Texas Tech University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Degeng
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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.