Developing fluorescent probes to measure pH levels in cells
Official title: Computationally Guided Approach to Produce Ratiometric Probes Operating in the Red to Near-infrared Region to Accurately Determine pH Levels within Organelles
Funded at Michigan Technological University · NIH-10796036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new tools that can help scientists see how the acidity inside different parts of our cells changes, especially when cells are under stress from things like not getting enough nutrients or when treated with medications, which could help us learn more about how our cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan Technological University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houghton, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $469,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM152969-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10796036 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect cellular metabolism or organelle function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions that do not involve cellular dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating advanced fluorescent probes that can accurately measure pH levels within various cellular organelles, such as lysosomes and mitochondria. By using a computational approach, the team will design probes that emit light in the red to near-infrared spectrum, allowing for precise monitoring of pH changes in response to different conditions like nutrient starvation or drug treatment. The probes will be tailored to target specific organelles, enhancing their effectiveness in studying cellular processes. This innovative method aims to improve our understanding of cellular functions and responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for monitoring cellular health and disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using fluorescent probes for cellular monitoring, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luck, Rudy Lin — Michigan Technological University
- Study coordinator: Luck, Rudy Lin
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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.