How cells control their internal signals
Regulation of Intracellular Signaling
Scientists are studying how cells send and change internal signals to help people with problems like poor wound healing, immune disorders, or cancer respond better to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292401 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my view as a patient, this project looks at three parts of how cells behave: how cells move toward chemicals, how they fix DNA damage, and how they change growth signals when certain cancer drugs are used. The team uses single-celled model organisms and human cells in the lab, CRISPR genetic screens to find important control molecules, and modern biosensors and imaging to watch signaling in action. One aim is to find the enzymes that control a key protective protein (PTEN) after stress, and another is to learn how blocking growth factor receptors rewires cell division signals. The work is basic lab research done at Johns Hopkins and could guide future tests or treatments rather than offering immediate patient therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions tied to cell movement, DNA repair problems, immune dysfunction, or cancers—or those willing to provide tissue or blood samples for lab research—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to cell signaling or DNA damage are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to improve wound healing, protect cells from DNA damage, and make targeted cancer drugs more effective.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR screens and PTEN research have previously helped labs find important genes, and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors are established cancer drugs, but combining these approaches to map signaling rewiring is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iijima, Miho — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Iijima, Miho
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.