Bioluminescent FAK Sensor and Gene Screen to Map Cell Adhesion
Official title: Bioluminescent FAK Sensor and Genome-Wide CRISPR Knockout Screen to Identify Regulators of Cellular Adhesion
Funded at Central Michigan University · NIH-11381798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team is creating a glowing FAK sensor and scanning the genome to find genes that control how cells stick together and move, which could inform breast cancer biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Central Michigan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mount Pleasant, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $144,767 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM158720-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with breast cancer or related cellular models where FAK signaling and adhesion processes are relevant.
✕Less likely to help
At this stage, it is a basic science study using cell models and does not involve direct patient participation.
What this research studies
Researchers will develop a bioluminescent sensor (BlinKS) to watch FAK kinase activity in living cells in real time and combine this with a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen to identify regulators of cellular adhesion. The project aims to map the genetic networks that govern how cells attach to and migrate on their surroundings, shedding light on basic cellular biology. Outcomes could point to new molecular targets that influence cancer cell movement and tissue repair. This work is foundational, aiming to translate basic biology insights into potential future cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings may reveal new targets to hinder cancer cell spread and improve understanding of tissue repair processes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using CRISPR screens and reporter sensors have identified regulators of cell adhesion, supporting the promise of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bakke, Jesse Lee — Central Michigan University
- Study coordinator: Bakke, Jesse Lee
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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.