How ARF and ORP proteins guide cell movement
ARFs, ORPs and the control of cell migration
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11247485
Scientists are learning how ARF and ORP proteins together with calcium signals control cell movement and connections, which could help people with some neurodevelopmental conditions or tissue-healing problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247485 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will examine small proteins called ARFs, their regulators (IQSec family), and the lipid-transfer protein ORP3 to see how they respond to calcium signals and control cell migration and adhesion. They will use cultured neuronal and non-neuronal cells, manipulate STIM/Orai1 calcium channels, and track integrin trafficking and focal adhesion disassembly. This work builds on prior findings that link IQSec proteins to receptor trafficking in neurons and mutations in IQSec1 to X-linked intellectual disability. Experiments may include testing patient-derived mutations or human-derived samples to determine how human genetic changes alter these cellular processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with known IQSec1 or related mutations, individuals with unexplained neurodevelopmental disorders interested in genetic study, or donors willing to provide tissue or cells for laboratory research.
Not a fit: Patients without disorders tied to ARF/IQSec pathways, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets for therapies or tests that help people with certain neurodevelopmental disorders, wound-healing problems, or invasive cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown related IQSec proteins control receptor trafficking and integrin movement, so this work extends established basic science though direct clinical translation remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CASANOVA, JAMES E. — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: CASANOVA, JAMES E.
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.