Controlling Notch signals that guide stem and immune cells
Illuminating Notch receptor-ligand selectivity through structure-guided protein engineering
Researchers are creating lab-designed tools to switch Notch, a key cell communication system, on or off to help develop better treatments for stem cell and immune-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260270 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team studies the three-dimensional structures of Notch receptors and their binding partners to see how they interact at the molecular level. They use structure-guided protein design to create engineered proteins that can enhance or block Notch signaling in specific tissues. Experiments combine structural biology, protein engineering, and cell-based models to test how these changes affect stem cell and immune cell behavior. The lab also examines how Notch connects with TGF-β and immune inhibitory receptors to understand broader signaling crosstalk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions linked to Notch signaling—such as certain cancers, blood disorders, or immune system problems—could be candidates for future trials based on these tools.
Not a fit: Patients whose health issues are unrelated to Notch signaling or who need immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to precise therapies that turn Notch signaling on or off to improve regenerative and immune-related treatments with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Researchers have previously mapped Notch structures and modulated its activity in lab models, but creating precise, tissue-specific engineered Notch switches is a relatively new and early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luca, Vincent Christopher — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Luca, Vincent Christopher
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 below.