How biomolecular condensates influence the structure and movement of cells.
Official title: The role of biomolecular condensates in regulating the cytoskeleton.
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11004610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain tiny structures in cells help control the building blocks that give cells their shape and allow them to move, using a type of fungus as a model, and it hopes to shed light on important processes that could relate to diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,520 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM151858-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell movement or morphology, such as certain types of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions that do not involve cellular motility or morphology issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of biomolecular condensates in regulating the actin cytoskeleton, which is crucial for cell shape, movement, and communication. By studying a model organism, the syncytial fungus Ashbya gossypii, the research aims to uncover how these condensates help organize the assembly of actin filaments within cells. The approach involves examining the spatial and temporal patterns of actin assembly influenced by ribonucleoprotein condensates, which contain both RNA and proteins. This could provide insights into fundamental cellular processes and their implications in various diseases, including cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting cell movement and morphology in cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of biomolecular condensates in cellular processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geisterfer, Zach — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Geisterfer, Zach
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.