Developing a tool to control calcium signaling in cells
Optogenetic toolkit for precise control of organellar calcium signaling
['FUNDING_R21'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-10706462
This study is working on a new tool that uses light to control calcium levels in cells, which could help us learn more about how calcium impacts health issues like cancer and heart disease, making it easier to find new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10706462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an innovative optogenetic toolkit that allows for precise control of calcium signaling within cells, particularly in the endoplasmic reticulum. By using light to manipulate calcium levels, the researchers aim to better understand how calcium affects various cellular functions and its role in diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The approach involves designing genetically encoded calcium actuators that can be activated optically, providing a reversible and highly specific method to study calcium dynamics in real-time. This could lead to new insights into cellular processes and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions related to calcium signaling dysregulation, such as certain cancers or cardiovascular diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to calcium signaling or those who do not have access to the research location may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for diseases related to calcium signaling, such as cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using optogenetic approaches for cellular signaling, indicating that this method could be a valuable tool in biomedical research.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHOU, YUBIN — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- Study coordinator: ZHOU, YUBIN
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.
Conditions: Cancers, neoplasm/cancer