How cells control ceramide-producing enzymes through protein interactions
Regulation of Ceramide Synthase by Protein-Protein Interaction
Researchers are looking at whether a helper protein called Hsp27 controls the CerS1 enzyme that makes ceramides, which can change cancer cell behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162275 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use protein-mapping (proteomics) and molecular biology experiments to see how Hsp27 binds to and alters CerS1 activity. They will change Hsp27 levels and phosphorylation states in cells and then measure ceramide levels and downstream cell signaling. The team will study how these changes affect cancer cell survival, death, and communication. Finally, they will map the exact protein-protein interaction that controls CerS1 function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers, especially tumors known or suspected to have altered ceramide metabolism or high Hsp27 expression, would be most relevant for future studies stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors do not use the CerS1/Hsp27 pathway are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets to shift ceramide levels and make cancer cells more likely to die or respond to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked Hsp27 and ceramide pathways, but translating these molecular findings into patient treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Senkal, Can Emre — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Senkal, Can Emre
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.