Copines and calcium balance in cells
Official title: Investigating the Role of Copines in Calcium Homeostasis
Funded at Central Michigan University · NIH-11444797 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher team is studying how copine proteins help cells manage calcium, using a model organism to better understand what this could mean for human health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Central Michigan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mount Pleasant, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2008 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $515,348 |
| NIH project number | 2R15GM078089-04A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444797 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to immediate patient participation; the project is basic research in a model organism.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient involvement or immediate clinical benefit at this stage.
What this research studies
This project explores the role of copine proteins in keeping calcium balanced inside cells, using Dictyostelium discoideum as a model. The researchers have already created mutant strains and will map how specific parts of the CpnA protein interact with calcium pumps to maintain proper calcium levels. By understanding these mechanisms, the work could uncover new clues about cellular signaling, movement, and adhesion. The study aims to connect basic cellular biology to potential implications for human health, including cancer-related processes where calcium signaling is important.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of calcium regulation in cells could lead to new approaches for treating diseases where calcium signaling goes awry.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in related systems suggest copines influence calcium signaling and cellular behaviors, supporting potential downstream relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damer, Cynthia K — Central Michigan University
- Study coordinator: Damer, Cynthia K
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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.