Bim’s surprising role in heat shock–induced cell death
Official title: Noncanonical roles of Bim in heat shock-induced cell death
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11331970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist is studying how heat stress kills cells and whether a protein called Bim helps drive that process, which could inform therapies for heat-related illness and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $490,122 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM155335-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11331970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient population at this stage (preclinical/basic science).
✕Less likely to help
Patients are not directly enrolled in this basic science project.
What this research studies
This project explores how heat shock can trigger cell death through a mechanism involving Bim and its interaction with LC8, rather than the usual death pathways. Researchers will examine how higher temperatures and longer exposures affect this pathway and whether it can be targeted to protect normal tissues or enhance cancer therapies. The study blends molecular biology with cell biology to map how Bim and the dynein motor complex influence heat-induced damage. If successful, findings could reveal new angles for treating heat stroke and improving tumor responses to hyperthermia-based treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this unique cell-death route could lead to new protective strategies against heat-related injury and improve hyperthermia-based cancer therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows heat shock can engage multiple death pathways, but Bim’s LC8 interaction as a core driver is a novel finding that this grant aims to validate.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bratton, Shawn B — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bratton, Shawn B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Understanding how small heat shock proteins protect our cells
A study from the University of Washington explores how tiny chaperone proteins protect eye and other cells from damage, which could help prevent conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
-
A new approach to freeing HIV from brain cells and reducing brain inflammation
A patient-focused approach tests a strategy to flush out hidden HIV in the brain and protect brain health by reducing inflammation.
-
Shock patients: better, faster teamwork to find the cause
A team of clinicians works together to quickly identify the exact cause of a patient’s shock to guide the right treatment.
-
Multi-scale model to improve REBOA use in hemorrhagic shock
A researcher team is building a computer model to better predict how to use REBOA, a device that can control bleeding in the torso, so patients with severe trauma may survive.
-
Phospholipid nanoparticle fluid to replace blood volume and protect organs in severe bleeding
A new, bubble-free fluid made of tiny lipid particles is being developed to quickly restore blood volume and protect organs during severe bleeding when real blood isn’t available.
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.