Creating brighter and longer-lasting fluorescent proteins for cell imaging

Engineering photostable fluorescent proteins and biosensors using transcriptomic mining and massive-throughput single-cell screening

['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11032834

This study is working on creating special proteins that stay bright even when exposed to light, which will help scientists better watch how cells work over time, especially in important areas like growth, learning, and aging.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11032834 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new fluorescent proteins that do not fade when exposed to light, which is crucial for accurately observing cellular activities over time. By using advanced techniques like transcriptomic mining and high-throughput screening, the researchers aim to identify and engineer proteins that maintain their brightness during imaging. This could significantly enhance the ability to study biological processes in living cells, particularly in areas like development, learning, and aging.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that require detailed cellular imaging for diagnosis or treatment monitoring.

Not a fit: Patients who do not require cellular imaging or have conditions unrelated to cellular activity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved imaging techniques that allow for better understanding of cellular functions and disease mechanisms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in engineering fluorescent proteins, but this specific approach to enhance photostability under two-photon illumination is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.