How cells control their internal scaffolding of actin and microtubules
Mechanisms of coordinated actin and microtubule dynamics
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11105779
This work looks at how the cell’s internal scaffolds—actin and microtubules—coordinate and how that coordination changes in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration to help people with those conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11105779 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists will build new imaging tools to watch actin filaments, microtubules, and their regulators at single-molecule detail. They will use a biomimetic microscopy system that tracks fluorescently labeled filaments and proteins in real time. Researchers will combine these probes with an optogenetic method that moves protein condensates from the nucleus into the cytoplasm to imitate disease-like changes in the same cell. Comparing the same cells before and after this manipulation will help reveal how cytoskeleton and condensate interactions go awry in disease-like states.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neurodegenerative diseases or certain cancers who are interested in donating samples or participating in future clinical follow-ups would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer or neurodegenerative conditions, or anyone seeking an immediate treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit because this is basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular steps that cause cells to malfunction in cancer or neurodegeneration, pointing to new biomarkers or targets for future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution imaging and optogenetics have each produced useful insights before, but applying them together to study cytoskeleton–condensate coordination is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES
- UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY — SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RIDILLA, JESSICA L. — UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: RIDILLA, JESSICA L.
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.
Conditions: Cancers