Developing tools to control growth factor signaling for better therapies
Official title: Cell membrane-targeting proteoglycan chimeras as selective growth factor signaling actuators
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11055997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new tools that can help control how certain signals in your cells grow or change, which could make treatments for tissue repair and cancer more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $439,145 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM145913-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with conditions that could benefit from enhanced growth factor therapies, such as cancer or those requiring tissue regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions related to growth factor signaling or those who are not candidates for growth factor-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative tools that can selectively activate or inhibit growth factor signaling in cells, which is crucial for improving therapies in tissue engineering and cancer treatment. By utilizing specially designed proteoglycan chimeras, the project aims to enhance the precision of growth factor interactions with their receptors on cell membranes. This approach could lead to better control over cellular functions such as proliferation and differentiation, ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes. The research involves genetic engineering and chemical modifications to optimize these interactions for clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for conditions like cancer and tissue regeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using growth factor signaling modulation for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Godula, Kamil — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Godula, Kamil
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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.